Sunday, November 10, 2024

32nd Sunday of OT Year B Homily

From a purely financial standpoint this woman gave nothing compared to those who gave large sums of money. Nevertheless, this woman gave all that she had and had even given more then those who gave a larger sum. In giving she held nothing back as she proceeded to give entirely of herself.


We too must commit ourself unto the Lord in such a fashion. It is so easy to contribute only a portion of our life unto Him. A portion is not enough because we should allow Him to be integrated entirely into who we are as a human person. Why do we find it so difficult to place our trust in Him?


As Elijah stated to the woman in our first reading, “Do not be afraid.” So too the Lord time and time again invited His disciples to be not afraid. In coming to place our trust in Him we must also heed these words and be not afraid. Yes, there will always be something that exists outside ourself that will beat us about, but in faith we must remember that it is Christ who calms these storms.


This woman who gave entirely from what she possessed could of allowed such fear to overcome her. She could of refrained from giving because in doing so she would have nothing left. She could of rationalized that she would have nothing to eat, to wear, or the simple comforts of this life through such a contribution. Nevertheless, in faith she gave entirely of herself and was not found to be afraid.


As we are told from the Gospel of Saint Matthew: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”


These words remind us of the importance of this life and how we are to place our trust in the Lord. There will always be some excuse or fear that fills our mind, but we cannot allow such dispositions to cause us to loose sight of the one who is most important. Through the Lord we have and will be given everything that we will ever need.


Like the woman of our gospel we too must commit ourself unto the Lord in such a manner. This does not mean that we are called to give every penny that we own to the church (this would not be prudent), but does mean that we are to dedicate our life unto the Lord by placing our trust in Him not partially, but totally.


My brothers and sisters in Christ let us choose to live entirely for the Lord and let go of all that gets in the way of us being able to serve Him by our life.

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