Service and Survival

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to remain true to the values and teachings that guide our fullness of life in the service of love, hope, and charity.

At The Edge

The Reading from the Second Letter of Timothy is Solemn Charge to persevere to a Reward for Fidelity.

* [4:1–5] The gravity of the obligation incumbent on Timothy to preach the word can be gauged from the solemn adjuration: in the presence of God, and of Christ coming as universal judge, and by his appearance and his kingly power (2 Tm 4:1). Patience, courage, constancy, and endurance are required despite the opposition, hostility, indifference, and defection of many to whom the truth has been preached (2 Tm 4:2–5).

* [4:3] Insatiable curiosity: literally, “with itching ears.”

* [4:6] The apostle recognizes his death through martyrdom to be imminent. He regards it as an act of worship in which his blood will be poured out in sacrifice; cf. Ex 29:38–40; Phil 2:17.

* [4:7] At the close of his life Paul could testify to the accomplishment of what Christ himself foretold concerning him at the time of his conversion, “I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).

* [4:8] When the world is judged at the parousia, all who have eagerly looked for the Lord’s appearing and have sought to live according to his teachings will be rewarded. The crown is a reference to the laurel wreath placed on the heads of victorious athletes and conquerors in war; cf. 2 Tm 2:5; 1 Cor 9:25. (2 Timothy, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 71 is a lament of an old person who remains buoyant.

* [Psalm 71] A lament of an old person (Ps 71:9, 18) whose afflictions are interpreted by enemies as a divine judgment (Ps 71:11). The first part of the Psalm pleads for help (Ps 71:1–4) on the basis of a hope learned from a lifetime’s experience of God; the second part describes the menace (Ps 71:9–13) yet remains buoyant (Ps 71:14–16); the third develops the theme of hope and praise. (Psalms,CHAPTER 71 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus blesses The Poor Widow’s Contribution.

* [12:41–44] See note on Lk 21:1–4. (Mark, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [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.)

Mirielle Mason asks “What does it truly mean to serve the Lord with a humble heart and soul? Today’s Gospel and first reading placed that question heavily on my heart. Do I seek validation for my time spent in service? Are my monetary contributions appropriately sized? If I truly take the time to be honest with myself, is my motivation pure? 

It can be scary to address those questions head on because human nature craves attention… Although, for each question we ask ourselves we have a decision to make. Sometimes, the vast number of decisions we are presented with as humans can feel paralyzing, but I think part of that fear comes from the unknown. We don’t know what may come of our choices, and we are nervous that it may hurt us. Modern Christians especially may feel like following Christ isolates them from society, but we have to remember that we are called to walk the narrow way. 2 Timothy urges us to remain confident and focused on our mission, emphasizing that it will be difficult. But there is also hope in the knowledge that we know what will come of choices of this nature. Every time we choose the path of our Lord, we become closer with Him on our journey to everlasting life.

Each day I am able to choose the Lord in a thousand tiny ways. I can decide to give of my time today, I can choose to show up for mass. How will you choose the Lord today? (Mason, 2026)

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 20.3.1.6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation was not available at publication time.

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the reading from 2 Timothy is a continuation of an exhortation to hold faithful to the Gospel. This action against the Gospel occurs later in the 1st century and is one argument against the authorship of Paul of this letter. A libation, offered to the gods, is traditionally poured out on the ground. We must be willing to pay the price for our faith. Difficulties of Christian life may occur in gossip or on the highway.  St. Thérèse of Lisieux described a “martyrdom of pin pricks” originating in the annoying things of our daily lives. The leaders are accused, by Jesus, of being in it for the honour and their pride. The poor widow has given all she had, far more consequential than giving from excess. Friar Jude asks: “What are we capable of doing?” The best we can with what we have received.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Poet Alison Davis who finds blessings for those who are on the edges of who they are and what they think they know.

“A Blessing for Those at the Edge”

Maybe you walked here.
Maybe you ran here.
Maybe you followed a trail of stones, of feathers, of flowers,
of scents, of sky.
Maybe you went afoot with the Mystery & so how you got here
is also a mystery.
But here is where you are & here
is always its own kind of blessing & here
at the edge, blessings compound.

Bless those at the edge of the river
of their heart,
full of promise.

Bless those at the edge of the morning,
singing the bright face of day
into the blue.

Bless those at the edge of what they know,
watching the old certainties crumble.

Bless those at the edge of doom,
bearing it out, as the famous bard wrote,
with or without the draw of a happy ending.

Bless those at the edge of love
of self, of other, of world,
as the way forward grows more subtle, less sound.

Bless those at the edge of language,
whose tongues & tales & names
are more pledge than guarantee.

Bless those at the edge of believing
a life can be lived at the edge. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit when we are confused about the Way in which we live a quality life that displays gratitude for our blessings in the joy of our service particularly “on the edge”.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/lk/21?1#50021001 

Mark, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/12?38 

Mason, M. (2026, June 6). Daily Reflection June 6, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-6-2026 

Psalms,CHAPTER 71 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/71?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Beyond Binaries: Weekly Summary. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/beyond-binaries-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Poor Widow Has Put in More Than the Rest. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Timothy, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/4?1 

Traditions of Generosity

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.

 

Giving Generously

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/ 

Many and Mite

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present the vision of the uncountable number of people responding to the invitation of the Lamb to full life and the total self emptying that characterizes that fullness.

Our Mite

The reading from the Book of Revelation presents the vision of the Lamb and the 144,000.

* [14:1] Mount Zion: in Jerusalem, the traditional place where the true remnant, the Israel of faith, is to be gathered in the messianic reign; cf. 2 Kgs 19:30–31; Jl 3:5; Ob 17; Mi 4:6–8; Zep 3:12–20. A hundred and forty-four thousand: see note on Rev 7:4–9. His Father’s name,foreheads: in contrast to the pagans who were marked with the name or number of the beast (Rev 13:16–17).

* [14:4] Virgins: metaphorically, because they never indulged in any idolatrous practices, which are considered in the Old Testament to be adultery and fornication (Rev 2:14–15, 20–22; 17:1–6; cf. Ez 16:1–58; 23:1–49). The parallel passages (Rev 7:3; 22:4) indicate that the 144,000 whose foreheads are sealed represent all Christian people.

* [14:5] No deceit: because they did not deny Christ or do homage to the beast. Lying is characteristic of the opponents of Christ (Jn 8:44), but the Suffering Servant spoke no falsehood (Is 53:9; 1 Pt 2:22). Unblemished: a cultic term taken from the vocabulary of sacrificial ritual. (Revelation CH 14, n.d.)

Psalm 24 is a prayer for entrance into the Temple.

* [Psalm 24] The Psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned upon the ark), followed by the people, into the Temple. The Temple commemorated the creation of the world (Ps 24:1–2). The people had to affirm their fidelity before being admitted into the sanctuary (Ps 24:3–6; cf. Ps 15). A choir identifies the approaching God and invites the very Temple gates to bow down in obeisance (Ps 24:7–10). (Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus praises the Widow’s Offering.

* [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.)

Gladyce Janky comments that human poverty comes in many forms, some of which are not visible but buried deep within the suffering person.  Perhaps one of the reasons this account is so powerful is because her poverty is not named.  The lack of details lets readers imagine what they might have in common with her story. 

Her life might be more difficult than I imagine, but she appears to have abundant faith, hope, and trust in God’s promises, as demonstrated by her actions in the temple.  Her choosing to let go of the two small coins reminds me of the Suscipe of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

Although I will never know her name, her story is an enduring account of how even the smallest actions can have a lasting influence throughout salvation history.  She knows everything she has is from God and gives her life-sustaining coins back to God.  What seems like a small action on the part of a person of limited social status in antiquity is an inspiration that has lasted for more than two thousand years.    And she reminds me that I never know (besides God) who is watching me or how my actions might influence them. (Janky, n.d.)

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 when we give in a spirit of selfless love, we are opening ourselves up to Jesus in a way that giving from our excess does not. So ask yourself whether there is an area in your life that you might be reluctant to offer to the Lord.

If you listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit, he will help you discern how to give and where. He may call you to give more money to a local charity or maybe to give more of your time to your family, your coworkers, or your friends. Or maybe he will ask you to give attention to your prayer. Whatever sacrifice you are led to make, you can be sure that it will bring you closer to Jesus!

“Lord, help me to live a sacrificial life—to give without counting the cost out of love for you!” (Meditation on Luke 21:1-4, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler recalls the attack of Satan and his minions on the Church before the Lamb reveals the symbolic assembly of 12 patriarchs times 12 apostles times more people than we can count to make Christ the centre of life to destroy evil. In the Gospel, the rich may give more but the widow has given her all! Friar Jude reminds us to try our hardest with gifts and weakness we receive from God.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes how several of Jesus’ parables use the image of a wedding banquet. 

Jesus is always undercutting what we think is common sense. This passage calls us to nondual thinking and to change our entire form of consciousness. “When you have a party, invite those who are poor, crippled, maimed, or blind, because the fact that they cannot pay you back will mean you are fortunate” (14:13)—because now you are inside of a different mind that will allow you to read all your life from a worldview of abundance instead of a worldview of scarcity. God is clearly into abundance and excess, and God’s genuine followers share in that largesse: first in receiving it and resting in it, then in allowing it to flow through them toward the world. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit to enlighten our thinking and open our mind to act in response to the Way that Jesus invites us to follow.

References

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112524.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21? 

Meditation on Luke 21:1-4. (n.d.). https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/25/1136568/ 

Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/24?1 

Revelation CH 14. (n.d.). USCCB Bible Readings. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/14?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Wedding Banquets. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-wedding-banquets/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov25