FEAST OF ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.
The Widow's Mite.
"When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” (Luke 21: 1 - 4).
Monday 25th November 2024 of the 34th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Catherine of Alexandria. (+ 310). Virgin and Martyr. African.
St Catherine of Alexandria was well educated and articulate. No surprise because she was from the upper class of society in Alexandria, one of the foremost center of learning and culture at that time. She was courageous and fearless. She defended the faith before Emperor Maxentius. The Emperor was taken aback at the erudition and courage of the young girl. He flew into a rage and condemned Catherine to death. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, lawyers and preachers.
Where does the power, eloquence, wisdom of St Catherine of Alexandria come from? We don't have to look far.
"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute." (Luke 21: 14 - 15).
Our key Scripture, popularly called the Widow's Mite teaches us lessons on how to give to God.
Before you give, remember that God owns Everything in the world. God needs absolutely nothing.
Giving to God actually is a test of how much you trust God. Then consider all that God has given to you: life, health, family, job, food, etc.
Respond to what your heart tells you to give knowing that you can not out do God in generosity.
"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me." (Psalm 23:1 - 2).
The Poor Widow has the Lord as her Good Shepherd. This Widow lives in the Present Moment and not in the Future. Somehow she has learned from life experience that the Grace of God is sufficient for her Today. Today is all she has from God. The future belongs to God Almighty, who is a benevolent Provider and Protector.
"So much time and energy is wasted in futile worrying and in endless discussions about what is needed and how to go about getting it. Simply present your needs to Me with a trusting heart and I will show you that I am a lavish provider for those who let Me take charge of their needs. The obstinate desire to control all things and to obtain by purely human means the things necessary to My work is an affront both to My merciful love and to My infinite generosity. Has this not been My message all through sacred history: “Trust Me, and you shall see wonders”? (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, February 3, 2009).
The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. Do not neglect your loved ones.
For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:
