Sunday, November 7, 2021
The readings for the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B challenge us to remember that all we have comes from God and we must be willing to give back. In the first reading (1 Kings 17:10-16) a widow shares what little she has with Elijah, and she is rewarded with abundance. The psalm (Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10) praises God for his generosity and mercy. The second reading (Hebrews 9:24-28) Paul tells us that Jesus offered himself for our salvation once and for all. And in the gospel (Mark 12:38-44 or Mark12:41-44), Jesus observes the poor widow who generously gives what little she has to the treasury.
Counting our blessings, charity, and service are themes for this weekend. Here are some ideas:
Gratitude can be one of the most fruitful forms of prayer. When we specifically notice things to be grateful for, we become aware of and acknowledge God's constant presence in our lives. Practicing gratitude daily is a practice which can change your whole attitude and it doesn't have to take a lot of time.
Giving away clothes or toys to a charity is a good way to practice almsgiving. But just giving away something you don't want or use anymore is more like an act of closet cleaning than an act of sacrifice. Consider including at least one item you use frequently and enjoy.
This graphic from Busted Halo shows how to pray the Daily Examen. The Examen is a spiritual excercise from St. Ignatius of Loyola - the founder of the Jesuits.
For the Lord , the God of Israel, says, 'The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.'"
She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well;
the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the Lord had foretold through Elijah.
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