Gospel Reflection for Sunday, November 8, 2009

In today’s Gospel reading we see how understanding our God really is. He does not ask us to give more than is possible for us (although sometimes we may feel like He is); He merely asks that we do what we can. Whether it is a gift of time, talent, or money, God is satisfied as long as it is given from the heart and with the right intentions.

While many of us may judge each other based on financial success, it is comforting to know that our Father in heaven only judges on the contents of our hearts. If all we have to offer is a smile to a friend, a helping hand to a stranger, or a simple song of thanks, than God accepts these graciously.

Maybe we should follow in this example. Instead of scoffing the next time we see someone not give as much as we did in terms of time, effort or even money, we should strive to see their contribution from their perspective—it is impossible for us to know the stories of those around us and the inner battles they may be fighting.

So when your classmate does not put the same time commitment into the project as
you, or your housemate fails to chip in to cover the cost of the weekend’s expenditures, instead of writing this person off, try and dig deep within yourself and really do what Jesus would do: don’t judge on face value, but take the time to appreciate that you are lucky to be able to give what you can.

And the one thing all of us can give, no matter our economical, scholastic, or physical situation is love. And that, as we can deduce from the commandments and Jesus’ teachings, is a gift that God treasures above all other gifts. So give love often. Give it freely. And give it to everyone you meet. Not only does doing God’s work on earth pay off now in unexpected ways, His retirement plan is awesome

Good to think about

My Dad sent me this prayer, and it's sooo true. You never know what battles people are fighting on the inside so don't judge...



Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles an d blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.


Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement plan is out of this world