Nov 10, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Mark 12:38-44
“A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury”. his passage from the Gospel of Mark highlights a profound truth about generosity and the nature of giving. Jesus draws attention to the poor widow’s offering, not because of its monetary value, but because of the depth of her sacrifice. The widow’s gift is small in material terms but immense in spiritual worth. She gave all she had, trusting completely in God’s providence. This contrasts with those who gave out of their abundance, offering only what they could spare without real personal cost. Jesus emphasizes that true generosity is not measured by the amount given but by the heart behind the giving. It’s about the willingness to give even when it requires personal sacrifice. The widow’s act of giving demonstrates profound faith. She trusted that even without material wealth, she would be cared for. Her trust in God’s provision serves as an inspiration for others to rely on spiritual rather than material security. This episode invites reflection on the quality of our own giving—whether of time, resources, or talents. Let’s reflect: Are we giving in a way that truly reflects our values and trust in a higher purpose, or are we holding back?
Don Giorgio
Nov 8, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica – Feast
Gospel – John 2:13-22
“Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.” Jesus is asking to take all the things out which makes our heart into market. just as Jesus drove out the merchants and money changers, we are invited to identify and remove anything that clutters or corrupts the purity of our hearts. These could be distractions, unhealthy attachments, or misplaced priorities that keep us from focusing on God. Our hearts, meant to be temples for God, can become cluttered and chaotic, filled with distractions, misplaced desires, and anxieties—much like a busy marketplace. Just as the merchants and money changers turned the temple into a place of transaction, we often allow external influences to turn our inner lives into spaces of unrest, preoccupation, and spiritual neglect. These attachments and habits can subtly consume our energy and focus, keeping us from experiencing true peace and connection with God. This passage challenges us to take a closer look at the “market” within us—those areas where our priorities may be misaligned, where material concerns or worries overshadow our higher purpose. By consciously examining and clearing away these distractions, we create room for God’s presence to dwell in our hearts more fully. In essence, Jesus’ actions remind us of the need for regular spiritual renewal. Embracing practices like silence, prayer, and simplicity can help us realign our hearts, turning them back into places of prayer, peace, and purpose. Let’s reflect: What am I allowing into my heart that doesn’t belong?
Don Giorgio
Nov 8, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Friday of week 31 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 16:1-8
‘The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.’ This is a very puzzling statement to understand. The core message lies in the contrast between the steward’s astuteness and the often-lacking foresight or strategy among “the children of light.”It’s not about praising the dishonesty of the steward but about his astuteness in dealing with his situation. The world outside the Church is very much astute in dealing with their own kind. But often the people in the Church are not so much astute in handling its’ situation. We must be astute in spreading the Gospel. Like the steward, Christians are called to be wise and strategic in how they engage with the world. Use the resources, opportunities, and relationships at hand to further the mission of the Gospel. Recognize the importance of time and act decisively in sharing the message of Christ. This parable encourages believers to be intentional and proactive in their faith journey. It’s not about endorsing dishonesty but about adopting a mindset of strategic stewardship in spreading the Gospel and living out Christian values in a complex world. Let’ reflect: How can I be more intentional and resourceful in using my talents and opportunities to serve others and advance the mission of Jesus in my daily life?
Don Giorgio
Nov 7, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of week 31 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 15:1-10
The joy for the repentant sinner is a very important element. The joy of finding the lost lamp. This is important because, the one element what is missing makes it perfect. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin remind us of the intrinsic worth of every individual. Each person, no matter how far they stray or how small they may feel, is deeply valued in the eyes of God. This emphasizes that our spiritual wholeness isn’t complete until every part of us is reconciled. Perfection isn’t about having a majority of virtues while ignoring the flaws. True spiritual growth comes from acknowledging what’s missing and seeking it. In the same way that the shepherd doesn’t rest until the lost sheep is found, we are called to actively work on our shortcomings to achieve spiritual fullness. The call to “search until we find” underscores the importance of perseverance in our spiritual lives. Just as the woman in the parable tirelessly searches for her lost coin, we, too, must remain diligent and determined in cultivating the qualities we lack. The celebration when the lost is found reflects the divine joy and communal rejoicing that comes with repentance and growth. It’s a reminder that every step toward wholeness is not only an individual triumph but a cause for collective celebration. Let’s reflect: What are the “lost coins” or “missing sheep” in my life—the qualities, habits, or aspects of my character that I have set aside or overlooked—and how can I begin to actively seek and nurture them?
Don Giorgio
Nov 5, 2024 | NEWS
The last day of praying the rosary at the Parish of St. Apostles Matthew and Matthias in Brzezie is an assault of saints. Children who have regularly prayed the rosary as a reward dress up as a saint or blessed given to them, whose relics are in the possession of the parish. This year there were more children who love Our Lady of the Rosary than the parish has relics of, so the others were also able to dress up as a saint they particularly love. Among the saints was also our Servant of God S. Maria Dulcissima. Can you find her?
God be thanked for the Saints who pray for us and for those children and their families who seek strength and support in praying the Rosary.
s. Janina
