The Church is not a democracy. Our beliefs and our leaders, for instance, are not determined by popular vote. Yet there are many Catholics who seem to be as apathetic about their Church as millions of Americans are about politics. To such Catholics, the word “church” means either a building or the clergy.
I typically experience a tinge of sadness leaving the Christmas season because it is so lovely. There are many joyous celebrations: Christmas, Holy Family, Epiphany, and the Baptism of the Lord. With all these celebrations, there is a common thread that weaves them together. Naturally, Jesus is the center of all our celebrations. However, the theme of a wedding nicely ties all our celebrations together.
Love liberates. It gives the heart the strength to stand fast in moments of tremendous suffering. It buoys the mind when threatened by the darkness of disappointment and loss. It propels the stagnant and slow into the lives of others, bringing light and grace. It brings rebirth.
Permission. God needs your permission. It shows his humility. It shows that he understands love. He certainly loves us. As Love itself, it is all he can do; however, Love itself desires to be loved. He desires to be loved in an uninhibited manner.
One of the great blessings of the Catholic faith tradition is its devotion to the saints, those who have gone before us and led exemplary lives of virtue and holiness.
How much did the widow really give with her two small coins? In today’s money, she gave about $2. However, that’s not important. Of true importance was that she gave everything. Contrast this with those that gave much. Some of them were likely motivated to do right by God, but theirs was often a calculated giving, seeing it as a way to build influence and to maintain or improve their social standing.
