Daily reflection _ love doesn't calculate

LOVE DOESN'T CALCULATE
Love is more precious than gold or wealth! Jesus teaches that real giving must come from the heart. A gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is precious to God.  
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
One of the greatest gifts we can give is joy in selfless giving and love for others. True love doesn't calculate; it spends lavishly! Jesus Christ drives this point home to His disciples while sitting in the temple and observing people offering their tithes. Jesus praises a poor widow who gives the smallest of coins. Why? The answer is very simple: love is more precious than gold or wealth! Jesus teaches that real giving must come from the heart. A gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is precious to God.
The Responsorial Psalm for today identifies a strong Christian as one "who longs to see Your face," who is ready to "ascend the mount of the Lord" and show this readiness by hands unstained by sin, by cleanness of heart, and by a determination to refuse "what is vain." The poor widow in our Gospel story today might be seen as such a person.
Today the Church honors Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, and his companions, martyrs. Some make the ultimate sacrifice and give their life for the love of God. These martyrs were killed in Vietnam during the persecutions in the 19th century. Because of these 117 saints, the Church in Vietnam is living out the Gospel in a difficult and complex situation, but with remarkable persistence and strength. These Christians also lived by following the seven Corporal Works of Mercy (deeds that have to do with bodily comfort): feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit prisoners and bury the dead.
In memory of all Christian martyrs and all those who joyfully give selfless love and compassion, let's practice a work of mercy to someone who is in need this week.