The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to some of the examples of action in our Way of Life that allow Providence to be witnessed in our environment.
The Reading from the Book of Daniel shares the spiritual and physical health in attending to our religious traditions
* [1:8] This defilement: the bread, meat, and wine of the Gentiles were unclean (Hos 9:3; Tb 1:12; Jdt 10:5; 12:1–2) because they might have been offered to idols; and the meat may not have been drained of blood, as Jewish dietary law requires. This test relates to the attempt of Antiochus to force Jews to eat forbidden foods in contempt of their religion (1 Mc 1:62–63; 2 Mc 6:18; 7:1).
* [1:21] The first year of King Cyrus: the year of this Persian king’s conquest of Babylon, 539/538 B.C. (Daniel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)
Daniel 3 proclaims the blessing of the Lord.
* [3:24–90] These verses are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel, translated from the Greek form of the book. They were probably first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, but are no longer extant in the original language. The Roman Catholic Church has always regarded them as part of the canonical Scriptures. (Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus proclaims the value of the Poor Widow’s Contribution.*
* [21:1–4] The widow is another example of the poor ones in this gospel whose detachment from material possessions and dependence on God leads to their blessedness (Lk 6:20). Her simple offering provides a striking contrast to the pride and pretentiousness of the scribes denounced in the preceding section (Lk 20:45–47). The story is taken from Mk 12:41–44. (Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)
Edward Morse comments that today’s gospel illustrates understanding that proceeds from the lens of faith, which is not limited to the parameters that guide us in earthly matters. Those who only see and hear clanking coins going into the treasury would have been astonished at our Lord’s assessment of the widow’s mite.
It is important to recognize that the hearts and motivations of others are often opaque to us. In this sense, we are not like our Lord. Despite our imperfect understanding, we can learn from this example. By overemphasizing external signs, we may neglect or overlook the more that may be present. Being open to the possibility of more and recognizing the limits of our understanding is a good start on the path toward wisdom. Openness and humility beat hubris – or at least that is the way to bet.
God, in his mercy, sometimes gives us a glimpse of the more, which warms our hearts and confirms the reality on which our faith depends, allowing us to continue the journey with a little spring in our steps. And sharing that spring with others may foster a little valor, an area where we can all use a boost. Thanks be to God. (Morse, 2025)
Don Schwager quotes “Mercy and compassion are never worthless,” by Leo the Great, 400-461 A.D.
"Although the spite of some people does not grow gentle with any kindness, nevertheless the works of mercy are not fruitless, and kindness never loses what is offered to the ungrateful. May no one, dearly beloved, make themselves strangers to good works. Let no one claim that his poverty scarcely sufficed for himself and could not help another. What is offered from a little is great, and in the scale of divine justice, the quantity of gifts is not measured but the steadfastness of souls. The "widow" in the Gospel put two coins into the "treasury," and this surpassed the gifts of all the rich. No mercy is worthless before God. No compassion is fruitless. He has given different resources to human beings, but he does not ask different affections." (excerpt from Sermon 20.3.1) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 21:1-4 comments that Jesus pointed her out because her actions were the complete opposite of the wealthy, who gave “from their surplus.” She gave out of a love that trusted in God’s goodness, a love that moved her to freely offer him “her whole livelihood” (Luke 21:4).
When we give something, we naturally want some kind of notice or thanks, and sometimes that does happen. But even if no one congratulates us, even if we are ignored by everyone just as this widow was, we can take comfort in knowing that the Lord sees us, and he rejoices in our generosity. Even more, we can take comfort in knowing that every act of kindness or generosity toward someone in need is more than just a kind gesture. It’s also an encounter with Jesus. He assures us that everything we do for “one of these least” brothers and sisters of his, we do for him (Matthew 25:40). He promises that he will notice every time we give of our money, our possessions, our time, or whatever we have. Our gift may not make an impression on anyone else, but we can be sure it will be pleasing to him!
“Lord, help me to give without counting the cost!” (Meditation on Luke 21:1-4, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments Daniel 1 speaks about the conquest of Nebuchadnezzar when the noble families were brought to Babylon to be trained in the ways of the conquering Empire. They wanted to be kept kosher and to maintain their diet and after a test they are healthier. The Book of Daniel dates to the time of persecution by the Seleucid empire to encourage the people to keep kosher. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus declares the widow, a person of the anawim, as giving more than the rich. When Jesus comes, the anawim reach out to Him. Friar Jude urges us to recognize ourselves as anawim in brokeness and loneliness.
Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Stephen's heroic martyrdom and points out how those around him refused to hear him and hardened their hearts, something we too can do with the Word of God. In the book of Romans, Fr. Mike also highlights the importance of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, responding to the call to love and to not be conformed to this world, and remembering that Christians have been grafted onto the tree of Israel. Today we read Acts 7, Romans 11-12, and Proverbs 27:13-14.
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Womanist theologian Dr. Yolanda Pierce who considers the gratitude of the ten lepers Jesus heals in Luke 17:11–18. Pierce reflects on how she has been in the position of each character in the story.
I have been the broken one in need of healing, who fails to return to my moment of need and to remember after I have been healed. Full of energy and new life, I have forgotten to acknowledge the source of my strength and say thank you….
I have also been the one who has returned, throwing myself at the feet of those who have so richly blessed me. I have at times heeded my grandmother’s advice to “give others their flowers while they are still living.” Whether with real flowers or words of praise, I have at times remembered to return in gratitude to those teachers or neighbors or colleagues who have blessed my life even if they did not know it.
But nothing has humbled me more than to be on the receiving end of someone’s gratitude. After a long season of pouring out pieces of my heart and soul, thinking no one understands or appreciates my efforts, I may receive a card or note or a visit with a word of thanks. Tears flood my eyes when this happens, because at that moment I truly understand the power of gratitude. The recipient has been blessed, and their expression of gratitude humbles and blesses the gift giver. (Rohr, n.d.)
We ponder the impact of Providence on our lives as we implore the Spirit to support our giving as we respond to the generosity of others that has enriched our lives.
References
Daniel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/1?1
Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3?52
Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21?1
Meditation on Luke 21:1-4. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/24/1434355/
Morse, E. (2025, November 24). Daily Reflection November 24, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-24-2025
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Do I Say Thanks? Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/do-i-say-thanks/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). She Put in All That She Had. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
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