“No matter how small we think we are or how small our gift is, if we give of ourselves—and give ourselves wholeheartedly—then we will feel the loving look of Jesus, who accepts us as we are.”
BIBLE READINGS: You can find the readings for Monday of Week 34 here (Universalis Website)
The 2021 movie, Worth is based on the true story of a lawyer given the impossible job of determining the financial value of human lives lost in the September 11th attacks. The film explores the moral, ethical, and emotional complexities of attributing monetary value to victims’ lives through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. It examines the balance and conflict between a formulaic approach to compensation and the human need for compassion and the recognition of individual worth.
In the gospel reading we have what could be dismissed as a minor character, easily overlooked. An old widow who quietly makes her way into the temple to make her financial offering. But Jesus sees her, and he acknowledges her worth for she has given everything she has. She holds nothing back from God. He compares this offering with those of the rich whose financial offering is far greater in monetary value but is far from sacrificial. Their offering is easy money.
We live in a society which often ranks people in order of importance. We may not do this consciously, but we still have the legacy of a class system, where the rich are powerful, and the powerful are rich. Jesus, however, sees the value in every human life. No matter how small we think we are or how small our gift is, if we give of ourselves—and give ourselves wholeheartedly—then we will feel the loving look of Jesus, who accepts us as we are. With nothing else left to give, the old woman becomes a gift to us. Far from being overlooked, Jesus raises her eyes and acknowledges her worth.
MASS TODAY
Mass today on Monday 24 November is at Ss Dyfrig and Samson at 630pm.
DAY BY DAY
If you’d like more resources for daily prayer then check out our DAY BY DAY pages.
South Cardiff Ministry Area 