Daily Bible Reflections - November 26,2012

tale of three brothers

 

“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:3-4

 

There were once three brothers who lived on a farm owned by the youngest one. However, because his brothers had no land of their own, he allowed them to stay with him and share in the labor.

Every morning, he would wake up earlier than the other two and he would be first on the fields to sow the seeds or harvest the fruits of their work. He would also be the last to come home and he took care of cleaning up after dinner before retiring to bed. And when the time would come to count their earnings, the youngest brother would divide the profit — 40 percent to the eldest, 40 percent to the middle one and whatever was left, he would keep for himself.

Close relatives saw what was happening and scolded him. “Why do you allow your brothers to take advantage of you? It’s unfair.” His reply was simple. “Being generous forces me to work hard every day and that attitude has helped our farm thrive. How is it not fair? Instead of one being the richest, now all three of us are wealthy and content. That is fairness to me.” Eleanore Lee (elyo.lee@gmail.com)

26

REFLECTION:

Do you only give what you do not need or do you give out of your want?

 

Lord, remind me that there is no justice when I have everything and everyone else around me has nothing.

 

St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.