Offerings to God

Today's Readings:
Rev 14:1-5
Ps 24:1-6
Lk 21:1-4

In our Gospel this morning we see a poor widow putting in two coins into the temple treasury and Christ comments that she has given more that all the wealthy people who gave of their surplus. What have we given to God lately? Do we give our entire lives to him, or simply whatever time we have left in our week? All that we have and all that we are, comes from God; today let us make a point to give back to God what he has first given to us, and offer all that we do and say to his greater glory. In all we do today, let us offer it to the Lord as a prayer, giving thanks to him who is so generous with us, his children. Have a great day and God Bless.


Saint of the Day - St. Andrew Dung-Lac & Companions, Martyrs
Christian missionaries first brought the Catholic faith to Vietnam during the sixteenth century. During the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Christians suffered for their beliefs. Many were martyred, especially during the reign of Emperor Minh-Mang (1820-1840). One hundred seventeen martyrs are in the group. They were proclaimed saints by Pope John Paul II on June 19,1988. The group was made up of ninety-six Vietnamese, eleven Spaniards, and ten French. Eight of the group were bishops, fifty were priests and fifty-nine were lay Catholics. Some of the priests were Dominicans. Others were diocesan priests who belonged to the Paris Mission Society. One such diocesan priest was St. Theophane Venard. (We honor him also on November 6.) St. Andrew Dung-Lac, who represents this group of heroes, was a Vietnamese diocesan priest. The martyrs of Vietnam suffered to bring the greatest treasure that they possessed: their Catholic faith.
Reflection: These martyrs were able to endure the torture they were put through because of their belief that Christ was with them in everything.

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/november/1124.asp