The Holy Martyrs Probus, Tarachus and Andronicus (284-305); Our Venerable Father Cosmas of Jerusalem, Bishop of Maium and Composer of Canons (760); Our Holy Father Martin the Compassionate, Bishop of Tours (397)
Colossians 1:1,2,7-11; Luke 8:1-3
Read Luke 8:1-3
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today we hear about all the people who accompanied Jesus while “He went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God” (Lk 8:1). We tend to only think of “the twelve” He called by name to follow Him, but the fact is that He had many other followers aside from these special twelve. Amongst Christ’s followers, everyone had their own special tasks and roles to play. Not everyone is called to do the same thing. Notice that all the names provided in today’s reading refer to the women who followed Him: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and nameless others. These followers provided for Jesus and His disciples so that they could be fruitful in their mission of evangelization.
Just as then, now it is important for us to provide for the Church and charitable causes out of our resources like the women in today’s Gospel reading did. It is helpful to be reminded of the story of the widow’s offering (Cf. Mk. 12:41-44). What is important is that we remember what matters is not how much we give but rather the spirit in which we give. The widow gave two copper coins out of her poverty into the treasury which is a lesser amount than the rich people putting in large sums, but in giving out of her poverty she sacrificed everything that she had.
How much are we willing to sacrifice and give of ourselves to support the Church? Do we volunteer our time to help our communities, or do we try our best not to get roped into anything? So many of our parishes need cantors and readers who are eager to practice and learn, people to help decorate and cook for various feast days and events, people willing to sacrifice some time to help clean the church, and even people able to go spend time with sick or elderly parishioners who might be craving some human kindness. No matter who we are, it is helpful to pause and consider whether we give to others out of a spirit of charity and generosity or only when it feels “safe” from our abundance.