Spiritually Poor – Luke 21:1-4 Reflection
Jesus speaks of the human realities of returning insufficient value to what has been received. When we observe what someone gives, we should remind ourselves that only God knows the proper ratio. Jesus’s observation of the widow is far more than the physical coin she gave, as we can also reflect on the value of spiritual poverty. Her actions and words include the inner knowledge that by emptying her self-reliance, she depends on what God will fill her with love. No matter how much faith you may have, if you are spiritually poor, there is always a beautiful hunger for God. You can likely see how reducing vanity and increasing personal sacrifices, such as giving yourself in prayer to others, drives the positives of continuous spiritual poverty. To promote spiritual poverty, consider spiritual gifts such as silently acknowledging and having gratitude to God. In addition, try to provide your coin in the form of excess time, talent, and treasures, including prayer for others.
The Widows Mite by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 21:1-4 – Scripture*
The Widow’s Offering
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 21:1-4 Reflection – Spiritually Poor.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 21 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.