Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 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.
• Responsorial Psalm – 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.
• 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.

Lectionary Reference: 503

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. For even numbered years see Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

On Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings focus on faithfulness, trust, and humility before God. In both the first reading and the Gospel, we see examples of individuals who choose to honor God and trust in His ways, even in small or challenging situations.

• Faithful Obedience: Daniel and his companions choose to honor their faith by avoiding unclean food, showing trust in God’s plan. They stand firm, teaching us the importance of being faithful to God in every part of life.
• God’s Favor in Humility: The four young men in the first reading receive wisdom and skill from God, not because of pride, but because of their humility. Their humble choice to follow God leads to blessings and opportunities.
• Sacrifice with Joy: The poor widow in the Gospel gives all she has, showing that true giving comes from the heart. Her joyful sacrifice teaches that God values the love behind our actions more than the amount we give.
• Trust Over Appearances: The widow’s offering is small in worldly terms, but Jesus shows it is precious to God. This teaches that God values faith and trust more than outward success or appearance.
• Commitment to God’s Ways: Daniel and his friends choose God’s way even in a foreign land, staying true to their faith. Their commitment reminds us that faithfulness to God is important, even when we face pressure to conform.
• Value of Small Acts: Jesus highlights the widow’s small gift as a great act of faith. This shows us that God sees the little acts of love and faith, even if others overlook them.

The readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, remind us that God values faithfulness, humility, and sincerity. Even small actions done with love and trust are precious to Him.

The readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 bring out themes of faithfulness, generosity, and trust. Through Daniel and his friends, we see the strength it takes to stay true to God, even under pressure. In the Gospel, the poor widow’s humble gift shows the beauty of giving from the heart. Together, these stories remind us how God values both small acts of faith and full-hearted trust in Him.

Staying Faithful in Every Situation

In the readings for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Daniel and his friends show us the strength that comes from faith. Despite being far from home and surrounded by people with different beliefs, they choose to stay true to God’s teachings. They refuse to eat the food offered to them because it goes against what God asked of them. They are respectful, but they don’t compromise their beliefs, even if it would be easier or more comfortable to do so.

This story encourages us to think about our own choices, especially when we face pressure to act against our faith. We may be in situations where others around us don’t value what we believe in, but Daniel’s example reminds us to stay firm in our commitment to God. Even when it’s hard or seems like a small thing, staying faithful to God matters.

Like Daniel, we are called to choose God in every situation, trusting that He will take care of us. When we keep God first, we grow closer to Him and strengthen our faith. Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that our actions matter to God, and choosing to be faithful, even in small things, brings us closer to Him.

Giving from the Heart

The Gospel reading for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 tells of a poor widow who gives two small coins as her offering. Compared to the rich people around her, this is a tiny amount. But Jesus shows us that her gift is the greatest because she gave everything she had. It wasn’t about the amount, but the love and faith behind her giving that made it valuable to God.

This story shows us that giving is not just about money or quantity but about the heart with which we give. We might think that we don’t have much to offer, whether it’s time, talent, or resources. But God values every act of kindness and generosity, no matter how small, when it comes from a willing heart.

On Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we learn that true generosity is a matter of love and trust in God. We can give our time, help others, or even offer our prayers, trusting that God sees our sacrifices, no matter how small they may seem. Just as the widow gave freely, we can give from the heart, knowing that God values even the simplest gifts given with love.

Trusting God with Everything

Both Daniel’s story and the widow’s story on Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of trusting God. Daniel and his friends trust that God will honor their choice to remain faithful by not eating certain food. They rely on God to take care of them in an unfamiliar place, showing a deep trust that God will meet their needs.

Similarly, the widow gives all she has, showing her faith that God will provide for her even after she has nothing left. Her small gift reflects a huge trust in God’s care, even when she has little. She is willing to let go of what she has because she believes God will watch over her.

Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to ask if we trust God with everything in our lives. Trusting God doesn’t mean knowing exactly how things will work out but believing that He will provide. Whether it’s making a small sacrifice or a big choice, we can rely on God’s presence and guidance, just as Daniel and the widow did. This kind of trust brings us peace, knowing that God holds everything in His hands.

On Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to live with faith, trust, and a generous heart. Daniel, his friends, and the widow show us that no act of faith or kindness is too small for God. By choosing to stay close to Him, we find peace and strength, trusting that He will care for us in all things.

Prayer

Lord, help me to follow You with a faithful heart in every situation. Teach me to give freely and trust that You will provide what I need. May my choices each day honor You and show Your love to others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• When have I felt pressured to act against my faith, and how did I respond?
• How can I give more generously from the heart, even if I feel I have little to offer?
• In what ways do I struggle to trust God with everything in my life?
• How can the examples of Daniel and the widow encourage me to stay faithful and trust God more fully?

Word on Fire: True Freedom Through Detachment

In his reflection for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that the widow’s offering shows true detachment and generosity. She gives all she has, showing that real love means giving ourselves freely rather than clinging to possessions. Bishop Barron emphasizes that building a life focused on accumulating worldly goods is not the path to happiness. Instead, true fulfillment comes when we let go of the need to possess and choose to live in love and generosity, offering ourselves fully to God and others.

What is the main message in Daniel’s story in the first reading for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main message in Daniel’s story is staying faithful to God, even in difficult situations. Daniel and his friends follow God’s laws, trusting that He will take care of them, even in a foreign land.

Why did Daniel and his friends avoid certain food?

Daniel and his friends avoided food that would go against their beliefs. They chose to keep their faith strong by eating only what aligned with their commitment to God, showing us the importance of keeping God first.

How does God respond to their choice to be faithful?

God rewards Daniel and his friends with wisdom and good health because they stayed faithful. This reminds us that staying close to God brings blessings in ways we may not expect.

How does Daniel’s story help us handle peer pressure?

Daniel and his friends stay true to their beliefs, even when everyone around them is doing something else. Their example encourages us to hold onto our faith, even if we feel pressured to act differently.

What can we learn from the widow’s offering in the Gospel for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The widow gives everything she has to God, even though it is very little. This shows that what matters is not how much we give but how much love and faith we put into it.

Why does Jesus notice the widow’s small gift?

Jesus notices the widow’s small gift because it comes from her heart, showing her trust in God. This teaches us that God sees the value in even our smallest acts of faith when they are done with love.

How does the widow’s story apply to daily life?

The widow’s story teaches us to give freely from the heart, even if we feel we have little. It reminds us that God values the spirit of generosity more than the size of the gift.

What does it mean to trust God with everything?

Trusting God with everything means relying on Him in both big and small situations. The widow trusted God to provide for her needs, and Daniel trusted God to protect him, showing us to place our hope in God.

How can we stay faithful in small things?

Staying faithful in small things means following God’s ways even when it seems unimportant. Both Daniel and the widow show us that God values our faithfulness, no matter how small it may seem.