In a world of social media, there are a million voices clamoring for our attention. Videos, reels, stories, posts, advertisements, even billboards that change content every few seconds. Look at me, look at this! We are bombarded by the variety of products, people, ideas, and accounts. I often catch myself wondering whether I ought to be participating in this firestorm of expression. Should I pick my blog back up? Should I be more active on Instagram? Do people know me? Am I seen?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus highlights this very issue and turns it on its head. He tells everyone to observe the widow and to see how she generously gives her whole livelihood. It isn’t about the amount given, but the spirit and intention behind the action. We can take this lesson to heart when we consider how we choose to spend our time and talents. But for today’s social media intense culture, I would also like to highlight why we remember this poor widow.

We know her actions are worth emulating, however, I don’t think Luke would have written down what she did on their own because no one was likely paying attention to her. She was a poor widow. Her head was likely bowed. She wasn’t calling attention to herself because she had so little to give. Luke wrote about her because Jesus drew His followers’ attention to her. Her actions glow because they are reflecting the light Jesus is shining on them. So too should our lives glow. Our actions matter because we matter to Jesus. Our life has meaning because Jesus died for our salvation and through Him, we have life. No amount of likes, clicks, or visibility will change the fact that Jesus radically loves each one of us.

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