Dn. 1:1-6, 8-20 | Ps. Dn. 3:52-56 | Lk. 21:1-4

King Nebuschadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and took hostages.  He commands that twelve of the finest Israelites be chosen, fed, educated and provided for so that they may be servants in his royal chambers.  Some of these decide not to eat the forbidden food that is set before them and request a diet of vegetables.  They are rewarded for their faithfulness with the best health and knowledge and are chosen for the King’s service.

Jesus tells a story of the great trust/faithfulness of a woman who gives all that she has to the treasury.  He applauds her sacrifice and calls the scribes to realize that what matters is not the quantity of our gift but the quality.  

We are called to give our gifts, both  physical and material as well as the spiritual, with generosity.  The amount we give is secondary to the attitude with which we give.

Consider your gifts to the Lord.  How generous are you?  Do you give out of abundance or do you give sparingly?  How will you give in the future?