The More he Gave the More he Had

One Sunday morning the pastor of a large suburban parish made the following announcement from the pulpit …

My dear brothers and sisters, I know you are well aware that this church of ours has a leaky roof that requires extensive, expensive repair. Consequently I must now appeal to you for some much-needed financial help. Will all those willing to pledge two hundred dollars or more please stand. Whereupon, on cue, the organist played full volume ìThe National Anthem.î

One of the great things about being a Christian is that as we grow in the faith there are fewer and fewer places in our lives into which we are reluctant to allow God to enter. More and more, we are eager to place every aspect of our lives under His rule and under His direction. And the more we do that, the more real His Presence becomes.

Jesus makes this clear to us in many ways. One example is todayís Gospel story of the ìWidowís…