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.
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.