32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
November 8, 2009 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Henry Ward Beecher was a 19th century writer, clergyman, social reformer; abolitionist and speaker. In one of his many popular quotations he said, “It’s not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.”
In today’s first reading the poor widow gave the prophet Elijah the last of her food. She thought she would soon starve to death. But by giving it up, she experienced a great reward. From heaven today that widow is no doubt amazed that we are still talking about her.
The paparazzi’s flashing cameras may record the comings and goings of the glitzy “rich and beautiful people” of our day, but we can be sure the memory of them will disappear as fast as smoke in a breeze.
Another of Beecher’s sayings gives us further reassurance, “Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven.”
Deacon Dick Folger