Importance of Giving the livelihood

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:1-4*

*First Reading : Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6*

*Importance of Giving the livelihood*

*1) Giving out of Abundance*

The Gospel of the day speaks about giving 

Giving can be categorised into different levels 

In the Gospel we see two levels. One among them is giving out of abundance 

This is a very simple concept. When people have abundance of wealth, they give a portion of wealth to the others, keeping sufficient reserve for them 

In the temple we find one such group who put into the Treasury of the temple out of abundance

*2) Giving the Livelihood*

This is the another concept which we see in today's Gospel. 

The poor widow came to the temple and put two little copper coins, into the temple treasury 

Jesus calls this gesture of the widow as something special. Jesus says *she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”*

The two little copper coins from her poverty and not from her abundance

*3) Need of Livelihood*

The Gospel makes a mention of Livelihood 

Livelihood means of securing the basic necessities (food, water, shelter and clothing) of life". 

Livelihood is defined as a set of activities essential to everyday life

Without the livelihood one can't live. 

The widow is offering such a survival means to God

It is a great gesture from the part of the woman

*4) Livelihood and our Life*

These are very closely connected with each other. 

If there a problem for livelihood, then the life is in danger 

So giving livelihood means it is a heroic gesture

Giving livelihood means completely depending on God 

Giving livelihood means, risking ones life 

Giving livelihood means, giving absolutely what is needed for survival 

Giving livelihood means the ultimate sacrifice

Giving livelihood means ready to donate anything in life 

*5) Jesus notices the Widow*

There were many people who Jesus saw 

But later the Gospel says Jesus- notices the widow who put two little coins 

Jesus noticing this widow communicates a powerful message to all of us 

Jesus notices the genuine heart 

Jesus notices the spirit of giving 

Jesus notices not the people who gave out the abundance

Jesus notices the poor genuine widow who offered her livelihood

It is not the quantity but the quality matters 

It is the love and attitude that matters while giving and not the quantity that matters 

What is my spirit of giving? 

Do I give out of abundance or livelihood?  

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*