The unknown prayer.

Does your mind ever wander after communion? You know you should be meditating and praying in thanksgiving for what you have just received, but you end up people watching instead? If you say no- I am willing to bet that was a lie. It is human nature- our curiosity gets the best of us. And sometimes- the beauty you can observe during communion is a gift all on its own. 

It was one of these mind wanderings and people watching that brought me a little gift to be thankful for during Mass tonight. Do you remember the story of the poor widow's contribution in Mark's Gospel? If not here it is as a quick refresher: 

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in Large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has I contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.
                                                                                               -Mk 12: 41-44

Today I witnessed someone come to receive the Body and Blood of Christ and do just that. Gave all she had. I don’t know this woman, or what was going on in her life. I just watched as she reverently bowed, and then stretching her hands up to the minister, with tears in her eyes, affirm her faith and belief with an AMEN and was given the gift of eternal life. She brought her suffering, pain and thanksgiving to the alter as her donation to the treasury. Now, I had wandered for many moments before this woman, and observed many receive communion before her. They all bowed and were given the same gift, but none seemed to give as much- myself included. Nor did we seem to appreciate the gift as much as her. She did as St. Teresa of Calcutta instructed and gave everything fully to God and was rewarded greatly.

Why is this hard for us? He gave the greatest sacrifice for us, but we cannot appreciate and give our whole self, just from our excess. It’s funny, I have always thought of this passage as one talking of talent, time and money. I never looked at it as giving myself to Him before tonight. God granted me this gift in a mind wander, an unknown answered prayer. My take away?  We need to strive to be like these women, the one of the Gospel of Mark and the parishioner at St. Ignatius. We need to strive to give not of the excess but of all we have.

Till next time- God bless and you are always in my prayers. If you have a specific prayer request- Leave it in the comments. 

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