Always with Love

November 10, 2024 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings:  1 Kings 17:10-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

When I was diagnosed with tumor in my brain in 2022, I knew I did not have the money for a surgery. I needed at least a million. But my priest friend told me to proceed with the surgery and let the Lord provide. 

I know that the Lord provides. He has provided for our Love the Poor Program for the past 10 years. I was skeptical, however, about being provided with what I needed.

News went around about my surgery. Help came without me asking. I had more than enough to pay my bills. I was overwhelmed with the generosity of people – my siblings, classmates, former officemates, former students and trainees, those I met in mission including this old cleaning lady who gave 200 pesos of her 1500 monthly income. That really hit me and I cried in gratitude.

This is what the readings today tell us. The Lord does not measure the amount of money or work that we do but by the sincerity and love by which we give and do what we give and do. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” How much love for God do we put in every action that we do? How often are we motivated, not by selfish interests, but by genuine love?

Call to Action for Catholic Living: No matter the great love that we put in our work, the Lord is never outdone in generosity. Even before we are able to love Him, He has loved at first. This should be enough thought to keep us going even in difficult times. 

This should move us to rise above our fears and our what-ifs and embrace the mission that Christ calls us to do. The Lord is in charge. When He calls, He always provides. When He sends, He guides. Our part is to respond with love.