Universal Utterings

for November 25, 2024

A Godcast

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11-25-24 Luke 21 v0104 She Offered Her Whole Livelihood

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The Gospel of Luke Chapter 21 V- One and Four

1 When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury 2 and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. 3 He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; 4 for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

In Luke 21:1-4, we encounter a powerful moment that challenges our understanding of generosity and sacrifice. Jesus observes the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury, but it is the humble offering of a poor widow that captures His attention. She contributes just two small coins—hardly a significant amount in monetary terms—but Jesus declares that she has given more than all the others. Why? Because while the rich gave out of their abundance, the widow gave all she had to live on.

This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of true giving. It’s not about the amount; it’s about the heart behind the gift. Are we willing to give until it hurts, trusting that God will replenish what we give? The widow’s faith demonstrates an extraordinary trust in God's provision; she did not just give from her surplus but sacrificed her very livelihood.

In our lives, we are often called to give in ways that stretch us—whether that is through our finances, our time, or our talents. It can be uncomfortable, even painful, to let go of what we hold dear. Yet, the grace of Salvation assures us that God sees our sacrifices and honors them. When we give selflessly, we open ourselves to God's overflowing grace.

Let us embrace the widow’s spirit of generosity, recognizing that every act of giving is an opportunity to reflect the love and grace we have received. As we give, may we do so with the confidence that God will provide for our needs, transforming our sacrifices into blessings for ourselves and others. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

11-25-2024 Luke 21 v0104

**She Offered Her Whole Livelihood**

In the temple's quiet space,

Rich men cast their gold in face,

Clinking coins, a shining show,

Yet their hearts, the world will never know.

But there, a widow, frail and small,

Steps forth to give her all,

Two tiny coins, her humble share,

A sacrifice born from deep, sincere prayer.

She gives not from abundance wide,

But from the depths where faith resides,

With trembling hands, she lays it down,

The weight of love, her holy crown.

“Look,” says Jesus, eyes aglow,

“Her gift is greater than you know,

For in her loss, she’s given much,

A testament to faith’s eternal soft touch.”

In our lives, may we embrace,

The widow’s spirit, her sacred grace,

To give until it aches, we are called,

Knowing in trust, our needs are met and stalled.

For every sacrifice, God sees,

A heart that loves, that bends the knees,

In giving, we find our truest worth,

A cycle of grace that brings new birth.

So let us give with open hands,

Like the widow, following His plans,

For in our giving, we shall find,

The blessings of heaven, sweet and kind. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

November 25, 2024 @ 04:44 AM EST

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