In this Sunday’s gospel, we find ourselves in the temple with Jesus, who observes the quiet but profound actions of a widow giving her last two coins. Jesus “sees” her, not only noticing the small offering she places into the treasury but also witnessing her deep faith and courage. This widow, like many in her time, represents society’s most vulnerable members, often marginalized and without support. Alongside children, orphans, and the sick, widows were among those who depended on others’ care and generosity for survival. By drawing his disciples’ attention to her, Jesus teaches us a vital lesson: we are called to care for those most in need, to recognize their dignity, and to see them with compassion.
In Jesus’ gaze, there is more than mere observation; there is deep understanding and love. His “seeing” of the widow challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions. Are we truly seeing the vulnerable around us? Are we offering our time, support, and prayers to those in need?
This weekend, we bring this call to action and love into our celebration of the Mass of Remembrance at 5:00 pm on Saturday. Together, we will remember all who have lost loved ones, especially the widows, widowers, and those who feel the profound emptiness that grief often brings. This Mass is an opportunity to gather in community and honor those who have gone before us, recalling that, though they may no longer be with us in body, their love remains present. We believe they are with the Lord now but their love remains in our hearts and connects us to them. We recognize their role in the communion of saints along with us who are living members of communion of saints.
As we hold our loved ones in our hearts and prayer, let us remember the legacy they leave with us: one of courage, love, and faith. May their memory inspire us to live as Jesus taught—to truly see one another, especially those who need our support, and to give from the depths of our hearts, just as the widow gave all she had.
We will need to look around us and “see” those most in need in our community and beyond especially those who mourn a loved one. Grief is a profound and often overwhelming reality in our lives. The absence of a loved one’s physical presence can leave us feeling unmoored, aching for the comfort, laughter, and companionship they once brought.
As we remember those we have lost during our Mass of Remembrance, we acknowledge the pain that lingers and the journey that each person carries in their heart. In this time of loss, we are reminded of our role as disciples—to reach out to those who mourn, to be present with them in their sorrow, and to offer the comfort of our faith and our community. Jesus calls us to be His hands and heart, to minister to those who feel the weight of grief, and to stand beside them with compassion, reminding them they are not alone. Let us pray for the strength to be a source of solace, walking with those who grieve as they find healing in the love of Christ and in the love of others.
As we gather this weekend, we also find ourselves in the wake of the recent presidential election. It was a divisive time in our country, and we now need to move beyond it. We need to unify as a nation for the good of all of us in the country and others in the world. We invite our community to join in prayer for our President-Elect, Donald Trump, that he may lead our nation with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. In a world where so many are vulnerable, we ask God to guide him in creating a society that truly cares for all people—especially those who are most in need. May he work to support families, protect the rights of the unborn, provide for the homeless, advocate for the poor, welcome the immigrants and strangers, and offer resources to the sick, elderly, and marginalized. Just as Jesus recognized and uplifted the widow in the temple, we pray for a leadership that sees, cares for, and honors the dignity of every person.
This week, we also pause to remember and honor all veterans who have bravely served in the armed forces. We give thanks for their sacrifices, their courage, and their dedication to protecting our freedoms. As a community of faith, we hold them in our prayers, along with their families, acknowledging the many ways they have given of themselves for the greater good. May God bless our veterans, bring healing to those who carry physical and emotional scars, and comfort to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us strive to honor their legacy by working toward a nation rooted in peace, justice, and respect for all.
Finally, I would like to thank all the children that dressed up as Saints last week for our School All Saints Mass (well done 1st grade) and to the children of all ages at our Sunday 9:00am Mass. It was wonderful to see so many Saints marching into the Church and participating in the Liturgy. Thank you to Clare D’Agostino, Ana Bonilla, Colleen Panec and all the Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) Catechists, Assistants and Volunteers for their dedication to the CFF program. Special thanks to Stephen Lee for sponsoring the “Saints” coffee at Donut Sunday.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan
