The cue was the hymn playing at offertory during mass. I would stand up and literally run to the altar where the baskets were in a pile and pick one to collect the offerings of the attendees of the mass while I kept my eye on my competitor who would do the same at the other row of the church. Don’t judge me! I was 10!
I would often notice the offerings and the funniest part to me was the best dressed would either not put in any offering or have coins (lower denominations) while the (visibly) financially backward would dig out the cash from their bags and give with a smile on their faces. I concluded as a 10 year old … never judge anyone for their offerings at church! (That was what mom told me when I narrated my observations.)
However today in the Gospel, Jesus says the widow has given all her savings with those coins … What Jesus refers to is not to only pour our earnings at the church but be ready to empty our hearts and worries into the prayers and offer up our selves at His feet.
Often we worry we stress about our lives, rent, finances, children, food, health and even exams … but over my 31 years of experience of life, I think it helps to just dump it all on Jesus and keep doing what you can. There are times that it seems Jesus is not listening but here is a secret that my mother let me in as a kid and I still believe works … during the holy mass, always kneel (unless health issues) during the elevation of the Bread and Wine, and close your eyes and pray what ever you want or worry about … with the word … My Lord and My God. Offer all your life and its troubles and happiness to the Lord! Lo and behold everything feels nicer and lighter!!! (Do try it at the next mass you participate in.)
It may sound very childish but to be honest, when I was struggling with any issue … work personal health or even my patients … I would offer it up! And it helped. I may not have money to offer at the service but I do have a whole load of things I want to share with Jesus! Let those worries stop stressing you and celebrate your joys with the Lord … offer them up to the Lord through mass and the holy sacraments ! He waits to listen to your day!
So this advent, let us begin a habit of offering up our daily lives to Jesus in prayer and sacrifice … may it be for a family member or a co worker … let us let the Christmas spirit enter our prayer life more than our shopping bags! Let baby Jesus be born in a heart fully submitted to the Lord.
Prayer: My Lord and My God! Thank you for this wonderful life and good health. Bless me with your grace and help me with (insert your petition.) I thank you for everything in my life Lord. Praise you Lord!
