Fr Antonio Pineda
his Sunday’s readings give us much food for thought. Firstly, on self-sacrifice. Jesus nears the end of his journey. He has reached Jerusalem where He, the Suffering Servant of God, will lay down His life for sinners. The poor widow in the Gospel who gives all she has to live on is an example to the disciples of how to follow His way of self-sacrifice. In the First Reading, another widow shares her what little food she had and her last drop of oil with God’s prophet. She discovered that God will not be outdone in generosity. His shovel was bigger than hers. And look at what happened. The jar of meal was not spent nor the jug of oil emptied! This should encourage us to ask ourselves, “Do I trust in God sufficiently to share my last ounce in his name?”
We might think it is easier for wealthy people because they always have spare to give. But where does necessity end and surplus begin? Definitions of need are relative to our expectations. The luxuries of one generation are the necessities of the next. It is not too early to call a limit on Christmas spending. Instead of racking your brain to find a suitable present for somebody who already has more than enough, why not donate to a charity and send your friend a certificate acknowledging the donation?
And secondly, there is food for thought on salvation. The Second Reading offers a theme that is so relevant for November. Jesus is our hope of eternal life, having entered heaven to plead on our behalf. At Mass we celebrate His victory over sin and death. He accepts our repentance and takes away our sins. He will reward with salvation those who are ready for His coming.