November 23, 2015

Blessed Miguel Pro, S.J. / St. Clement / St. Columban

Lk 21: 1-4

He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translation

Relationships and Time

This passage from Luke’s Gospel reminds me of a favorite hymn—“Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Shall Be.”  This is the time we are asked to discern what portion of our treasure we are able and willing to give to our parish church. We hear about the widow who had no surplus but offered her total treasure. The widow inspires me to also name treasures of a different kind: relationships—with family, friends, and God; the gift of time—healthy relationships require time; moments of heartfelt peace. These are my treasures. How easy it is to get caught up in the lure of holiday consumerism with the flurry of advertisements for Black Friday sales! During this week of Thanksgiving, let’s focus on our treasures and give attention to how we spend our time. Notice how stress builds when we succumb to those influences that detract from what we treasure. Do relationships suffer? Is our attention to prayer diminished? Whatever treasures you hold deep within your heart—let them be your guide. —Pat Schloemer is a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cincinnati, Ohio, and in her fourth year of service with the Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps. Pat and Sam Schloemer have been married 54 years, have 4 married children, and 11 grandchildren.

Prayer

Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be. All that you possess will never set you free. Seek the things that last; come and learn from me. Where your treasure is, your heart shall be. What do you gain from all your worry, What you should eat or what to wear? There is no peace in stress and hurry, Do you not know that you are held within God’s care? —Marty Haugen, “Where Your Treasure Is,” © 2000, GIA Publications, Inc.
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