From Our Pastor: Trusting God with All We Have

God asks for all of you. In the first reading today, we see this lived out so beautifully. Elijah the prophet asked the poor widow of Zarephath for a glass of water and a small cake of bread to eat during a time of drought. She answers that she only has enough for her and her son and then they would die of starvation as that is all they had left. Elijah told her, “Do not be afraid.” He told her to go and do as she planned, but to make him a little cake first. First give to the Lord and Elijah and THEN take care of yourself and your son. That request is so difficult, but this is what God asks of us. He desires us to trust Him so much that we give to Him first. But to do that we have to trust that there will be a second or a third as well.

In this story, as well as the multitude of other stories of God’s abundance, not only is there a second and a third, but the abundance continues for over a year for her, her son, and Elijah throughout the entire drought. You cannot out give God!

In the gospel today, Jesus warns us not to seek our own aggrandizement. He sets up as the example another widow. She puts in only two small coins, but in that minute gift, she gives everything. God is asking you to give Him your all. He desires everything—your entire self! If you think you have nothing left to give, that is when God asks what is left. If you are willing to trust Him in that moment, He rewards you immensely. It may not always be in how we want, but when you are honest with yourself, you see the immense goodness of God. Trust in Him.

Lastly, today is the Feast of St. Leo the Great, but he is trumped by Sunday solemnity. Pope St. Leo the Great is my confirmation saint. I loved his story as a kid. Not only did he stand against Attila the Hun with no army, but he stood against the heresies of the Church at that time. His writings are easily able to be found and are stunning. If you get a chance, read them! He is a teacher and stalwart in the truth. On this, his feast day, read his writings, but also please say a prayer for me on this feast day of my personal saintly inspiration.

St. Leo the Great, pray for us!

- Rev. Steven Arisman