Reflection for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

        We reveal ourselves in our gift-giving.   There are those who keep an inventory of every gift they receive so that they can give back in kind — neither offering more or less than the estimated value.  Others store all their unwanted gifts to dole out when occasions arise where gift-giving would be appropriate.   Still others take advantage of every sale to buy great quantities of the same item — “just in case” — without any thought as to the uniqueness of the intended recipient.  And, finally, there are a few people who put a great deal of effort into finding the “perfect gift” for each person on their list. Clearly, gift-giving can be no more than fulfilling a social obligation as cheaply and conveniently as possible;  or it can be about limitless generosity.

 

        The poor widow exemplifies what it is to give from the heart.  Instead of donating a reasonable percentage of her income to the Temple collection box or estimating how she will make ends meet in the future, she gives it all away.  Holding nothing back, she shows us the meaning of love.  She gives without counting the cost.