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.
By giving everything that she had, the poor widow put all of her devotion and faith in God. Jesus reminds us that when we give, it should be out of love for God, and not for any self-serving purpose. It is an important message to remember as we approach the Advent season, when trappings of the materialistic accompany the Christmas season. This Gospel shows us that in response to God’s unconditional love for us, we should try to give all that we can from our heart. St. Ignatius laid down his sword and abandoned the vanities of the world as well as his own ambitions to begin his holy life at Montserrat and then Manresa. We too should be mindful of how we live in faith and devotion to God.
—John LaMantia is a graduate of Fordham University and Saint Ignatius College Prep who is a trial attorney in the service of others. He is on the JFAN Chicago board for the Midwest Jesuits and continues to provide his four children with a Jesuit high school and college education.
Lord, in the hustle and bustle of the season, as we are prompted and pushed toward materialism, help us reflect and act from a heart full of devotion, faith and charity in your name.
—John LaMantia
Please share the Good Word with your friends!
Welcome to JesuitPrayer.org
Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
 |
 |
Visit our Social Media |
Jesuit Prayer is pleased to offer candles for special occasions such as “Remembrance, joys, sorrows, anniversaries, and special intentions.” Proceeds help keep Jesuit Prayer free for all users.
REGISTER your free account to get started, and you'll get a free 30 days candle just for signing up.
LOGIN to access your candles
