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Friday, November 9, 2018
11.11.18
The Counter-Intuitive Nature of Self-Gift In the readings for this Sunday we are given two striking examples of self-gift. In the story of Elijah’s encounter the widow of Zarephath (1 Kgs 17:10-16), the widow offers what little she has to feed the Lord’s prophet. Miraculously, the jar of flour does not go empty and the jug of oil does not run dry. And in the Gospel (Mk 12:38-44), Jesus observes yet another poor widow putting two small coins into the temple treasury, exclaiming that she has given more than all the rest, “for they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has given all she had.” At first, this seems like shameless exploitation of the poor. My instinct would be to tell them to keep what little they had. Even with my own giving, my tendency is to be conservative, to play it safe. But these examples in the readings are really less about money and more about faith and gift that each of us is called to make of ourselves. When we give generously of ourselves to God and for others, not out of compulsion or guilt, but “from our poverty” and of our own free will, then amazing things can happen. It may seem counter-intuitive, but in the end such self-gift is the only way for us to thrive as human beings and disciples of Jesus Christ. Fr. Thom
Applications are now live for our 2019 Service Trips!
Winter Break applications are due Monday, December 3. Spring Break applications due Wednesday, January 30.
All trips are $150, except the Local Mystery Trip which is only $100.
This year is the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. Join us as we commemorate this occasion this Monday with a special service after the noon Mass. All are welcome.
Month of All Souls
November is the month of All Souls, a time for us to remember all of our deceased loved ones. You will find cards in the pews this weekend which you can use to write out the names of deceased loved ones you want to remember. These cards can be placed in front of the altar, and we will pray for all of them at every mass in November.
Scripture Sharing Sundays following 6:30pm Mass
Join with the Peer Campus Ministers on Sunday evenings after 6:30pm mass to reflect on the Sunday readings. Stick around in the Gathering Space right after mass for 30-45 minutes.
Giving Tree for Project Renewal
Before you head home for break, be sure to pick up a tag off of the Giving Tree. Each tag will have a child's name from Project Renewal, along with the items to get for them. Bring them back to the tree unwrapped after break, and help brighten Christmas for the kids at Project Renewal this year!
Intro to Catholic Studies CATH 201 Spring 2019 - M/W/F - 11:00 am Taught by Chris Clow
Learn about the history, key figures, and cultural impact of Catholicism on the world! Can help fulfill your Gen Ed requirements. Talk with your advisor, or contact Chris Clow to learn more!
QUICK BUZZ
Interested in learning more about joining the Catholic Church or receiving a Sacrament of Initiation? Contact Tammy to learn more.
BeesKnees is our prayer chain for the needs of our St. Ambrose community. Email BeesKnees@sau.edu Have a prayer request, or want to join.
Have a question about a program or event going on in Campus Ministry? Got an idea for something you'd like to see happen? EMAIL US at ministry@sau.edu.
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In the readings for this Sunday we are given two striking examples of self-gift. In the story of Elijah’s encounter the widow of Zarephath (1 Kgs 17:10-16), the widow offers what little she has to feed the Lord’s prophet. Miraculously, the jar of flour does not go empty and the jug of oil does not run dry. And in the Gospel (Mk 12:38-44), Jesus observes yet another poor widow putting two small coins into the temple treasury, exclaiming that she has given more than all the rest, “for they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has given all she had.” At first, this seems like shameless exploitation of the poor. My instinct would be to tell them to keep what little they had. Even with my own giving, my tendency is to be conservative, to play it safe. But these examples in the readings are really less about money and more about faith and gift that each of us is called to make of ourselves. When we give generously of ourselves to God and for others, not out of compulsion or guilt, but “from our poverty” and of our own free will, then amazing things can happen. It may seem counter-intuitive, but in the end such self-gift is the only way for us to thrive as human beings and disciples of Jesus Christ. Fr. Thom
