November 25, 2024
St. Catherine of Alexandria
My Offering
…this poor widow put in more than all the rest…
Luke 21:3

Today’s Gospel reminded me of “A Real Good Thing” by the Newsboys, a song and a group that I haven’t thought about in years! Yet, thirty years later, this surprising tune still makes me stop and ponder—what makes an event or a moment a good thing? To see every moment as a real good thing means to trust all things in my day and in my life as coming from God—especially all that I don’t like, don’t want or don’t understand.

Jesus “noticed” the poor widow and commended her, who “put in more than all the rest,” not because of the quantity of her offering, but because she “offered her whole livelihood” (vv. 2-4). The poor widow turned her every need, every want, every thing, to God, trusting that the Lord would, indeed, transform everything into a real good thing because God can and does work all things to the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. (See Romans 8:28).

- María Ruiz Scaperlanda

Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5 ✚ Psalm 24:1-6 ✚ Luke 21:1-4
Widows Mite, two small coins are depicted against an AI-generated illustration. Image by Olive Studio | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

November 25, 2024 at 06:31 PM

Please pray for my mum. Please. I’m so scared… today was the first time she didn’t know me… Prayer to St. Jude in Times of Suffering Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, I place myself into your hands at this difficult time. Help me to know that I am not alone. Please pray for me, asking God to send me comfort for my sorrows, bravery for my fears, and healing for my suffering. Ask our loving God to strengthen my faith and give me the courage to accept His Will for my life. Thank you, St. Jude, for the hope you offer to all who believe in you. Amen.

Debbie H
November 26, 2024 at 10:46 AM

Healing prayers for your mom, Jane, and praying for strength for you. ????✝️

jane
November 26, 2024 at 08:27 AM

Jane, wishing you courage and strength for the path ahead. Amen.

November 25, 2024 at 01:54 PM

Good morning my L.F.F. I HOPE everyone is okay in Health, as well as to be expected and better. I would like to wish Each and everyone in here a Most Blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving Day. May Everyone in the Universe have more than enough.

November 25, 2024 at 01:37 PM

"Be generous to the poor orphans & those in need. The man to whom our Lord has been liberal ought not to be stingy. We shall one day find in Heaven as much rest & joy as we ourselves have dispensed in this life." St. Ignatius of Loyola

November 25, 2024 at 10:55 AM

*** “Real Good Thing” by Newsboys, “When we don't get what we deserve That's a real good thing, a real good thing When we get what we don't deserve That's a real good thing, a real good thing” *** What is the “Real Good Thing?” MERCY - we don’t get at we deserve (death) and GRACE - we get what we don’t deserve (life)! *** Ephesians 2:8-9, “God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it!” ******* We Believe by Newsboys https://youtu.be/WjZ01FcK0yk?si=NNLZ8X4zvK_eARE3

maria ruiz scaperlanda
November 26, 2024 at 06:33 PM

Thank you for writing out the words, Salina! I couldn't quote the lyrics, legally! This is the line that came to mind as I reflected on the reading: "When we don't get what we deserve, it's a real good thing. When we get what we don't deserve, it's a real good thing." MERCY!

November 25, 2024 at 10:17 AM

Thank you Maria for your contributions to this site I always look forward to reading your word of wisdom. Living faith family please keep praying for Dennis and Shelly and Debbie and Anna and Terry and Stephanie and Christine they are going through some trials. Sharing Padre Pio and Wisdom of the Saints. Wisdom of the Saints for November 25 "Those whose hearts are enlarged by confidence in God run swiftly of the path of perfection. They not only run, they fly; because, having placed all their hope in the Lord, they are no longer weak as they once were. They become strong with the strength of God, which is given to all who put their trust in Him" Saint Alphonsus Liguor Padre Pio's saying for today. "Cleanse your heart of every Earthly passion, humble yourself and pray! In this way, you will certainly find God, who will give you peace and serenity in this life and eternal beatitude in the next." Ken

Pam
November 25, 2024 at 10:34 AM

Ken...Please know I have all your prayer petitions in my heart. Please tell Terry "Hello" for me!

November 25, 2024 at 10:03 AM

A great reflection, Maria. There has been many times that I've thought if I give what I have I will not have enough to pay my bills. And, the times that I just gave and didn't think about that bill I always received back twofold. Give and you will receive. It's all about having faith. Many prayers and blessings for a lovely Thanksgiving week.

November 25, 2024 at 09:34 AM

AMEN!

November 25, 2024 at 09:31 AM

Thank you María! God sees my heart and knows when I’m dogging it. May he allow me to give wholeheartedly and not just from my leftovers. Vicky, wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving. I am with my family in Florida this week and my final week in the office will be next week. Thank you for your well wishes. Lifting Peggy, Vincent, Denise, Juan and Susan today. Amen.

November 25, 2024 at 09:22 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen

November 25, 2024 at 08:51 AM

I do not see "every moment" specifically every evil thing "as coming from God". The God I know does not kill an infant with cancer or allow an innocent soul to be killed by a drunk driver. There is evil in our world and it comes from the ruler of our world.

November 25, 2024 at 08:12 AM

Peace to everyone. Amen!

November 25, 2024 at 07:59 AM

I will admit I have always given from my leftovers. But no one has ever them turned them down . As others have repeatedly stated, we are works in progress. Perhaps my leftovers are progressing in size.

TW
November 25, 2024 at 11:35 AM

Leftovers sometimes made it to store like The Salvation Army and Goodwill. It all worked out for me and my family while growing up and still working now for others. Continue to give!

Vicky G
November 25, 2024 at 08:41 AM

Bruce, leftovers are certainly a good start! We can’t stretch to our “all” before we start with our extra.

November 25, 2024 at 06:50 AM

Thank you Maria for your words of wisdom and for reminding me of the promise in Roman’s 8:28 which were much needed and appreciated today.

November 25, 2024 at 05:42 AM

Amen :)

November 25, 2024 at 05:21 AM

Amen.. have a blessed week LFF

Widows Mite, two small coins are depicted against an AI-generated illustration. Image by Olive Studio | stock.adobe.com
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