In Giving We Receive

A Reading from the Gospel according to Mark
     In the course of his teaching Jesus said      to the crowds,
     "Beware of the scribes, who like to go      around in long robes
     and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
     seats of honor in synagogues, 
     and places of honor at banquets.
     They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext
     recite lengthy prayers. 
     They will receive a very severe condemnation."

     He sat down opposite the treasury
     and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. 
     Many rich people put in large sums.
     A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 
     Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
     "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
     than all the other contributors to the treasury. 
     For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
     but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
     her whole livelihood."


      “For they contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty” 

     This verse sets a fire under me as I reflect on this reading. It seems so foreign to our modern ways of living. Our focus is directed to saving money for a house, a car, retirement and school. We fail to give out of our poverty. Yet we are not afraid to consume out of our poverty. Stories of maxed out credit cards and buying frivolous things to keep up with the ever growing consumer culture that we live in, drives this passage even further. 

     In many ways our cultural values of today are at odds or at the very least distant to those of ancient judaism. The disconnect in understanding the times of Jesus can make it hard to relate. At the same time we all still struggle with the same human tendencies as those in ancient times; pride, jealousy, envy, lust, gluttony etc... These core struggles do not change but rather manifest themselves in a new light. 

     Early in the pandemic it was hard to find many items from toilet paper to guns. People were hoarding in order to protect their family and way of life. Around this time, a podcast that I frequently listened to talked about this phenomenon. To paraphrase, the host wondered if the accumulation of these goods during the pandemic were motivated not to provide for our family, but rather a lack of trust and even fear that our neighbors would end up with something while we had nothing. Maybe these behaviors were a reflection on our own reluctance to share from our abundance, much less our poverty. For the rich ones in this passage gave out of their abundance for the attention of others, while this poor woman gave out of her poverty and dying to self.

     The theme of giving out of poverty and humility has come up lately in the gospel readings of Mark. The shortest gospel is also sometimes the most blunt and to the point. Giving from our poverty entails more than just money. Being there for a friend when it's not convenient for us, walking with others who carry heavy burdens, giving our time to volunteer, are all ways to give out of poverty. 

     Going to prayer, even when we feel most unworthy and shameful, that is giving out of our poverty. Thrusting ourselves at the foot of the cross to proclaim Jesus I trust in You. As St. Francis put it almost a thousand years ago, “it is in giving that we receive.”

     So my prayer this week is that we ask the Lord for opportunities to give. To recognize those instances where He calls us to give even if it goes against our immediate reaction. For He is a loving Father who is always searching for our hearts and showering us with graces even when we ignore them. 

     May we learn to give so much that we have nothing left but to trust in Jesus. 


About the Author: My name is Taylor Deshotels, and I was born and raised in Texas. Growing up a cradle Catholic, I went to a Catholic school until 8th grade before switching to a public high school. As any high schooler, I thought I knew everything… until a trip with family put things into perspective. I was able to buckle down in school and also rediscovered my faith. I cherish the memories I have growing up and see every good and bad decision I made as a learning experience. Strong family ties to Cajun country brought me to Louisiana for college. I graduated from LSU in 2017 with a degree in economics. Since graduating, I have worked at an economic consulting firm here in Baton Rouge. 
Who is your favorite saint at the moment and why? Not a saint yet, but Fr. Emil Kapaun - hopefully a saint soon!! 
What is your favorite hymn from “The Gather” hymnal? “On Eagles Wings” #throwback
What was the 1st CD (or cassette if you’re old school) you remember listening to as a kid? “Elvis Greatest Hits” 
What book are you reading right now? Dune
What is a random life hack you have? Depending on which way the lock faces, you can break into your house with a CD. Had to do this twice in my life. 

Learn More About Red Stick Catholics

The Well is a weekly reflection series from Red Stick Catholics that was created to allow young adults from the Diocese of Baton Rouge to reveal how God is speaking to them through prayer and Scripture. Each reflection contains the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel, a reflection written by a young adult from the Diocese of Baton Rouge and prompts for how to pray with the Gospel and reflection during the week.