The third of nine days of prayer and readings. On Day Three, we pray for for those who are discerning the best use of their personal resources.
For those who are discerning the best use of their personal resources.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit. Amen
Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked to cover them?
Isaiah 58: 6-7
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
“He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the treasury, and many of the rich put in a great deal. A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny. Then he called the disciples and said to them, “I tell you solemnly, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in the money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.”
Mark 12: 41-44
Jesus was a people watcher. Imagine seeing the people coming and going in the Temple courtyard through the eyes of God made flesh. What catches his eye, what does he notice, what conclusions does he reach? He’s clearly not impressed by displays of wealth, for one thing. The rich people who give a lot don’t fool him. He knows that this is for public acclaim and its certainly not hurting their wallets. It’s the poor widow he holds up for us admiration, who gives “two small copper coins” for the upkeep of the Temple. Relatively speaking, this is so much more of a gift than the loose change given by the rich. Out of her love for God and her religion, she has emptied her pockets. She has given to the point of sacrifice.
We pray for the grace to give more freely out of our resources. Many of his will have responsibilities, household bills to try and pay, perhaps children to look after. Jesus does not want us to neglect our children and our responsibilities to provide for them, but he’s constantly challenging us out of our comfort zone. What more can we give? What comforts can we give up for the sake of contributing to the Church and helping others?
Loving Father
your risen Son sent us out
into the world as ambassadors
for the kingdom of God;
inspire us with your Spirit
of compassion, justice and truth
to declare the Good News
to those who are poor, to work
for the relief, defence and liberation
of all who are trapped
in oppressive circumstances.
We make this our prayer
through Christ our Lord.
Amen
“For the Lord desires that the faithful laity also should extend his kingdom, the kingdom of ‘truth and life, the kingdom of holiness and grace, the kingdom of justice, love and peace’; in which creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21).”
Vatican II, Lumen Gentium, 36
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We pray for those who have to leave their countries due to war, poverty or fear of persecution.
