November 21, 2022

Luke 21:1-4

A very happy Monday to you! Before I get into the reflection of the day I want to personally thank you so much for hearing and responding to our plea for the end of year giving. I got an F in seminary for fund raising but you make me look good.

In today’s gospel Jesus notices a poor widow drop in her last two coins in the offertory and he remarks that she put in more than others. This passage has been so misused by animators of the word. Yes there is an offering but in my opinion it has little to do with giving. I think it has a lot to do with what informs you. Have you noticed the things that catch Jesus eye? Lots of Rabbis saw this poor lady but nothing really was tugging at their hearts. But for our Lord, it touched a nerve. You know the biggest blessing you have is your upbringing!!! There are things you see that others don’t. Something tells me Our Lord saw his mama in that poor woman, it probably reminded him of the days he longed for something to eat as his poor mother shared the little food she had.

Remember this, we all have an experience of authority but what really counts is the authority of our experience. The authority of our experiences is the place of sacrament, that is the language God uses to speak to our souls. For those who are born with privilege, what a blessing that is, for those born in shanty towns what a blessing that is. All of us, I mean all of us have incredibly unique experiences that can help us see others. I bet Jesus instructed Judas to make sure the poor lady had enough to feed her family.

One of the best officers I know found herself working in the domestic violence unit. Then I heard her story and it all made sense. Enough said. What a relief it is to be seen, truly seen.