Here was this poor widow – without husband, family, money, or strength. She had nothing of worldly value; she only had faith in God. This poor widow painstakingly made her way to the Temple treasury. She gave her life's savings – two copper coins – as her offering (Lk 21:2). She rejoiced in the privilege of giving to the service of Yahweh.
Some time after this selfless and self-giving gift, she died. In the twinkling of an eye, the poor widow "heard a sound from heaven which resembled the roaring of the deep, or loud peals of thunder" (Rv 14:2), along with "the melody of harpists (Rv 14:2). With this awesome accompaniment, she opened her eyes and saw Jesus face to face (1 Cor 13:12). She looked into His eyes and saw a love beyond all telling. The poor widow was perfectly happy. It is impossible to express the joy she felt in being home with the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit forever.
What will you be doing shortly before your death? When you open your eyes after dying, whom will you see?
| PRAYER: | "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen." |
| PROMISE: | "They make contributions out of their surplus, but she from her want has given what she could not afford – every penny she had to live on." –Lk 21:4 |
| PRAISE: | St. Andrew was blessed to be among the first to follow the Lamb and led his 116 companions to follow Jesus faithfully as they were being martyred. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College