Readings: Revelation 14:1-2, 4b-5; Luke 21:1-4
This morning’s reading from the Book of Revelation is a reminder of the liturgical character of this book, which abounds in hymns, canticles and heavenly ceremonies. It recalls the great drama of salvation which we re-engage through the liturgy; and that the drama of our lives and history is equally played out in the liturgy.
Today’s Gospel also exhibits a liturgical dimension. All those contributions supplied either the materials for the Temple liturgy, or its maintenance or the support of its various ministers. And the poor widow was contributing her life to that liturgy with her offering of two small coins.
I believe it’s fundamental to acknowledge that money represents more than security or power or greed. It can represent hard work, self-sacrifice, prudence, thoughtfulness, planning. Not unlike love, it could even be a medium of exchange, humanizing interactions.
When we receive hard-earned contributions, we’re receiving something sacred from the mundane “liturgy” of people’s lives. We are receiving them, the living stones of our true Temple.
Peggy Anderson says
A unique homily, Fr. James; a really good one in that it gives me a brand new way of thinking about money/contributions. (Not just thinking about the Church and/or Monestary). ——-Also find the idea of, “the liturgy of my life/your life” very stimulating.
Thanks. Peace.