He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’ (Luke 21:1-4)

The message of this Gospel has ongoing truth. It is easy to engage in ‘the right practices’ so that one is ‘seen doing the right thing’. The Gospel calls us to a change of heart; calls us to radical generosity. And so the Gospel continues to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable – by pricking the conscience.

Young people strongly desire justice and we have all seen their good will harnessed wonderfully. But, like adults whom they can mimic, young people can also be selfish and not see the bigger picture. Our task in sharing the Gospel with them, is to ensure they see the social justice imperative at its heart. If we can all live that, we will bring God’s reign closer.

Have a great week!
Patrick