Reflection
Revelations 14:1-5
Psalm 24
Luke 21:1-4
Our Church today celebrates the Memorial of St. Catherine of Alexandria. She was born in 287 and was martyred on November 25, 305. She was born to a wealthy family in the midst of Christian persecutions. St. Catherine had the courage, or audacity depending on how you want to consider it, to go to emperor Maxentius and try to end the persecutions. Rather than kill her, Maxentius ordered fifty of his orators and philosophers to debate her. She did a tremendous job with the gifts of the Holy Spirit leading her on, that she could not be defeated in arguments. Many pagans were converted, including the wife of Maxentius.
Because she continued to win the arguments, Maxentius gave up and had her tortured and killed. Catherine was to have been executed on something called the breaking wheel – an extremely painful way to die. When Catherine touched it, the breaking wheel, it shattered into pieces. After that, Maxentius had her beheaded.
St. Catherine beautifully reflects today’s gospel. Jesus notes the widow who put two small coins in the collection basket. That woman was doing something incredible: she was trusting God would take care of her. When we give all we have and are to God in support of His mission, He blesses us more than we will ever see in this world.
As we head into Advent, it is important to remember the greatest gift we can give to God is trusting in Him so much that we will give Him our whole livelihood to help accomplish His mission. So, where can you give more of yourself this Advent? Time? Talent? Possessions?
It’s a beautiful day! Go smile at God today!