A student learns from their teacher and then goes out and lives their own life using what they have learned. A disciple seeks to emulate their master, living their life in imitation of their master as much as possible. Yes, Jesus was a teacher, but we are not merely students. We are disciples who seek to model our life after his, and Jesus was all-in. Today’s Gospel gives us a model of what discipleship looks and sounds like in real life.
Jesus didn’t come to do things halfway. Fully God and fully man, he experiences all of our life. He cries at the death of loved ones. He offers love and tenderness to those who reject him. He frequents the homes of those considered less than others, on the fringes of society. He is fully one of us. He goes all in, offering his very body and blood in atonement so that we do not have to be separated from God. After his resurrection, he still eats with the disciples, not out of his need, but out of theirs. He institutes the Eucharist, where he is forever humbled to be present in the bread and wine. Jesus is all-in in everything he does.
Likewise the widow. No one would blame her for giving less. After all, she is a widow. She has no one to take care of her and provide for her. But her response to God’s call to give, is to give everything. She leaves it all there trusting God to provide her daily bread.
Are we all-in? When we give, do we give from our excess or from our need? Is our gift to God from our first fruits or our leftovers? It isn’t just money! What about our time? Life in our society is so crazy fast! We are on the move from the moment we wake until we fall into our beds again at night. When our feet hit the floor, do we take time to thank God for the gift of another day or are we already at a run, tackling our never-ending to-do list?
People used to sanctify their day by stopping when they heard the Church bells to pray and reconnect with God. In today’s world, the Church bells have been drowned out by all the other sounds of modern society. How do we stop and reconnect with God, our Source and our Creator, throughout the day? Do we invite God into all parts of our life or do we save some portion of ourselves for ourselves? How close, or how far away are we from going all-in? The widow sets a high bar for us.
Dear Lord, help me to be like the widow. Help me to be all-in. Let all that I do bring glory to you and reflect your love back into the world. May I truly be your disciple, not just your student. Amen.
Daily Reading
Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
Readings for the Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr Reading 1 RV 10:8-11 I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me.Then the voice spoke to me and…
Saint of the Day
Saint Cecilia
Saint Cecilia, revered patron saint of music and the blind, symbolizes divine inspiration and steadfast faith in early Christian history.
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