The enormity of the tasks which we seem to encounter in life can seem to beg the question why me and why now? There can be a feeling that we are overwhelmed by a tsunami of events that can flood over us which threaten to submerge us with their urgency. In the midst of this reality, we can look at what we have to offer and feel that we are unprepared and under-resourced by what is to hand. Our prayer can be focussed on the externals which seem to attract our attention rather than reflecting on who we are called to be and become.
The Our Father often contains the important request that we receive our daily bread. That which is enough for us to live on for this day. As we reflect on Elijah's conversation with the poor widow this is not just a generosity of physical resources but a generosity of heart to give the best of yourself for the moment. Similarly, Jesus' observation of the widow putting her money into the treasury is not an abandonment of responsibility but a profound trust that God will provide what is needed for the good of others.
I believe this is what challenges us on a daily basis which is to give the best of ourselves to the matters at hand. This is not just to give the impression of being generous but to allow our lives to become one of thanksgiving in whatever situation we find ourselves. Our prayer is not just about looking good but about becoming good.
So our prayer for this week reflects on who we are and what we have to offer for the good of our world. It is a profound shift that recognizes that all good things come from God and that we are called to live a life of thanksgiving. Just as we receive communion through our celebration of Eucharist we are called to share that communion with each other by the lives we live. We bear witness to how God is present this day and invites us to respond with faith, hope, and love.
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