Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years.

• First Reading (Cycle 1) - Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20: Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem, taking Jehoiakim and temple treasures. Daniel and others, chosen for royal service, refuse the king's food, thriving on vegetables, and surpass all in wisdom.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5: John sees the Lamb with 144,000 on Mount Zion, marked by God's name. They sing a unique hymn, known only to them, as the pure and truthful first fruits of humanity.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: Blessed is the Lord, exalted and praiseworthy in His glory, majesty, and holy temple, reigning from His throne and observing from heaven, deserving perpetual glory and praise.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 24: The Lord owns the earth and its inhabitants. Only the pure-hearted may approach Him, receiving blessings and salvation, exemplifying those earnestly seeking God's presence.
• Gospel - Luke 21:1-4: Observing people's offerings at the treasury, Jesus pointed out a poor widow who contributed two small coins. He taught that her modest gift, given out of poverty, was greater than the larger offerings of the wealthy, as they gave from their surplus, while she sacrificed her entire livelihood.

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.

Luke 21:1

• Value of Sacrificial Giving: Jesus commends the widow for giving all she had to live on, contrasting her sacrifice with the larger, yet proportionally lesser, contributions of the rich. This theme underscores the value of sacrificial giving in God's eyes, where the heart and sacrifice matter more than the amount.
• True Generosity: The widow's act exemplifies true generosity, giving out of her poverty. It challenges the notion of generosity as merely giving from surplus, emphasizing that true generosity involves personal sacrifice.
• God’s Measure of Giving: Jesus’ observation of the widow’s offering illustrates that God measures giving not by the absolute amount but by the proportion and the giver's circumstances. This theme suggests that God values the spirit in which a gift is given, rather than its material value.
• Trust in God’s Provision: The widow’s willingness to give all she had reflects deep trust in God’s provision. Her action represents a profound faith in God as the sustainer and provider.
• Critique of Social Injustice: The situation of the widow, who is compelled to give out of her poverty, can also be seen as a critique of social systems that burden the poor. It calls attention to the plight of the vulnerable and the need for justice and care for the less fortunate.
• Jesus’ Attention to the Marginalized: Jesus noticing the widow’s offering highlights His attention to the marginalized and overlooked in society. It shows that Jesus values and uplifts those who are often ignored or undervalued by others.
• The Heart in Worship and Giving: The passage points to the importance of the heart's condition in worship and acts of giving. It teaches that sincerity and devotion in giving are more important than the external act itself.

In the gospel for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time from Luke 21:1-4, we are presented with a powerful and moving scene. Jesus observes various people making their offerings at the temple treasury, and his attention is drawn to a poor widow. Amidst the wealthy donors who contribute from their abundance, this widow offers two small coins — all that she has to live on.

This act of profound generosity and trust is not lost on Jesus, who points out her sacrificial giving to his disciples. Unlike the others, she gives not from her surplus, but from her poverty, offering everything to God. This scene invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of our own giving and the intentions behind it.

This Gospel passage challenges us to examine our willingness to give. The widow's actions pose a poignant question: How willing am I to give what I have? In our daily lives, it's easy to give from our surplus, to offer what is convenient or excess to us. The widow’s example, however, calls us to a different standard — one of sacrificial giving. This means being prepared to offer not just from our abundance but also from our necessities, trusting in God's providence and grace. Such giving is not just about financial resources but extends to our time, talents, and attention.

Furthermore, this passage encourages us to introspect about our motivations in giving. Do we give for recognition or out of a genuine desire to help? Are we holding back our resources, be it time, talent, or treasure, for ourselves, even when we know they are needed elsewhere? The widow’s offering was small in monetary value but immeasurable in spiritual significance. Her gift was an act of total self-giving, borne out of a deep faith and reliance on God. This kind of giving requires a heart that is free from attachment and a spirit that is aligned with God’s will.

In conclusion, the Gospel for Monday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time invites us to a profound realization of what it means to give wholeheartedly. It calls us to a deeper form of stewardship, one that transcends mere obligation and becomes an expression of our faith and trust in God. As we reflect on the widow's offering, let us ask ourselves how we can emulate her example in our lives. May our giving, in all its forms, be a true reflection of our love for God and neighbor, rooted in a generous heart that seeks to give not just from our surplus, but from our substance.

Prayer

Jesus, teach me to be generous with the many gifts I have received. Show me the good I can do when I am willing to hold on less tightly. Amen.

Word on Fire: True Happiness in Love and Giving

In Bishop Robert Barron's reflection on the Gospel for Monday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time, he focuses on the poor widow's act of giving her last penny to the temple. He uses this to address our possessiveness and constant pursuit of material possessions, believing they are essential for happiness. He cites the parable of the foolish rich man to illustrate this misconception. Bishop Barron emphasizes that true happiness isn't in acquiring more but in love, which involves actively willing the good of others and opening ourselves to the world. Happiness, he asserts, is found in this selfless love and dispossession, not in possessions.

USCCB Reflection: The Power of Small Gestures and True Giving

This USCCB video reflection on the Gospel for Monday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time discusses the significance of small actions in our lives. Drawing from a personal experience of losing a junior high election due to a misunderstood word, the reflection highlights how seemingly minor gestures can have a profound impact. It emphasizes the story of the widow who gave her two small coins, illustrating the value of giving from one's need rather than surplus. This act of giving, even when it hurts, is presented as an example of true generosity. The reflection also encourages living in the present and recognizing the importance of small contributions in building God's kingdom.

What date is Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Monday November 25, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday November 24, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20: Daniel's Faithful Wisdom
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: Eternal Blessing to God
Gospel - Luke 21:1-4: The Widow's Offering

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Monday November 25, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5: The Lamb's Followers
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 24: Seeking the Lord's Face
Gospel - Luke 21:1-4: The Widow's Offering

What is the significance of Jesus’ observation of the widow’s offering in the gospel for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

Jesus' observation in Luke 21:1-4 highlights the value of sincerity and sacrifice in giving. The widow's small offering, given out of her poverty, was more significant to Jesus than larger gifts from the wealthy because it was given with true selflessness and faith. This teaches that the heart and intent behind our actions matter more to God than the magnitude of what we do.

How can we apply the lessons from the Gospel for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time in our daily lives?

We can learn to give generously, not only in terms of material possessions but also in love, time, and service. The lesson of Luke 21:1-4 is to give wholeheartedly, regardless of our circumstances, trusting that our small contributions can have great value in God’s eyes.

What is the historical context of the first reading for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 is set during the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem and deported its elite, including Daniel and his companions, to Babylon. This event marked the beginning of a period of testing and refinement for the Jewish people, during which they had to maintain their faith and identity in a foreign land.

How does Daniel's refusal to eat the king's food reflect his faith in the first reading for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Daniel's refusal to eat the king's food, likely non-kosher and offered to pagan gods, was an act of faithfulness to Jewish dietary laws. It symbolized his commitment to God's commandments, even in exile. This decision was a bold statement of identity and fidelity to God amidst foreign influence and pressure.

What lessons can we learn from Daniel and his companions' experience in the Babylonian court in the first reading for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 teaches the importance of faithfulness and integrity. Despite being in a pagan land, Daniel and his companions remained true to their beliefs, showing that one's circumstances do not justify compromising one's values. Their experience demonstrates that faithfulness to God can lead to wisdom and favor, even in challenging situations.

How does the Responsorial Psalm for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 complement the First Reading?

Daniel 3 echoes the themes of the first reading by praising God's glory and majesty. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His watchful presence, themes that resonate with Daniel’s story of maintaining faith under foreign rule.

What does the Responsorial Psalm for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 tell us about the nature of God?

Daniel 3 portrays God as majestic, glorious, and deserving of perpetual praise. It emphasizes His reign from heaven and His observance of earthly affairs, highlighting His omnipotence and omniscience. This depiction underscores God's ability to intervene and guide His people, even in times of distress.

What are some homily and reflection ideas focusing on the theme of faithfulness in adversity, as seen in both readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

A homily or reflection could explore the theme of maintaining faith in difficult times, drawing parallels between Daniel's faith in exile and the widow's trust amidst poverty. It could emphasize the importance of holding onto our beliefs and values, even when it's challenging, and trusting in God’s providence.

How do these readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 inspire us to live out our faith in modern times?

These readings encourage us to be steadfast in our faith, even in a world that often challenges religious beliefs and values. They inspire us to prioritize our spiritual integrity over societal pressures and to trust in God's wisdom over worldly wisdom.

Can these readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer insight into how we view and use our resources?

Yes, these readings challenge us to reconsider how we view our possessions and resources. Like the widow, we are called to use our resources, no matter how limited, in ways that reflect our trust in God and our commitment to serving others, rather than merely accumulating wealth or status.

What is the significance of the 144,000 seen with the Lamb in the first reading for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The 144,000 in Revelation 14 symbolize a group of faithful followers marked by God's name, representing spiritual Israel. Their presence with the Lamb (Christ) on Mount Zion signifies their ultimate redemption and victory over evil, reflecting their dedication and purity.

What does the unique hymn sung by the 144,000 represent in the first reading for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The unique hymn in Revelation 14 signifies the special relationship and experiences shared between these faithful followers and God. It represents their exclusive devotion and the spiritual truths they have embraced, which only they can fully understand and express.

How does the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 complement the First Reading from Revelation?

Psalm 24 emphasizes purity of heart and integrity, traits exemplified by the 144,000 in Revelation. Both passages highlight the idea that true followers of God are those who seek Him earnestly and live according to His ways.

What does the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 tell us about who can approach God?

Psalm 24 states that those who may approach God are the pure-hearted, those who have not worshipped idols nor sworn deceitfully. This suggests that integrity, sincerity, and moral purity are prerequisites for entering God's presence and receiving His blessings.

How does Jesus' observation of the widow's offering in the gospel connect with the themes of the other readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The widow's offering in Luke 21:1-4 reflects the purity and sincerity of heart emphasized in both the First Reading and Psalm. Her selfless act, despite her poverty, aligns with the characteristics of those who truly seek and serve God, as depicted in the other readings.

What are some points for a reflection or homily based on these readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

A reflection or homily could focus on themes of purity, sincerity, and wholehearted devotion to God, drawing parallels between the faithful 144,000 in Revelation, the pure-hearted in Psalm 24, and the widow's total commitment in the Gospel.

How do these readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge our understanding of faith and devotion?

These readings challenge us to evaluate our own faith and devotion, asking whether our actions reflect a pure heart and genuine commitment to God. They urge us to consider if we are giving our best to God, not just materially but in our daily lives and choices.

In what ways can these readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire us to deepen our spiritual life?

These readings can inspire us to seek greater purity of heart and sincerity in our relationship with God. They encourage us to commit ourselves more fully to God's service, trusting in His provision and guidance, and to embrace a life of genuine faith and devotion.