Today is the thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
In today’s Gospel, as well as the first reading, we hear about people who gave all they had. The widow of Zarephath used, what she thought was the last of her flour and oil to make a small cake of bread for Elijah. In the Gospel the widow gave her last coins to the treasury. In both cases they contributed from their poverty not their wealth. For the most part we contribute from our wealth.
These readings can make us wonder if we are being told to spend ourselves into poverty for the good of the Church. I don’t think so. I think we’re being told to trust in God in all things. These widows are extreme examples for us but they operate from a place of trust. I wonder how many of us have that kind of trust.
I also see a warning for those officials who would take advantage of others for their own benefit. They want seats of honor where they can be seen yet they devour the houses of widows.
The other thing I see in the Gospel is a connection to Christ who gave all He had for us. I think there is a reminder here about giving everything. Do we do that? In some cases yes but in many cases no. Again, I don’t think we’re being told we have to give our all every time. I think we’re just being reminded of what He did for us and shown examples of those who have trusted God in an extreme way.
As we begin to think about what we’re thankful for and look ahead to the season that will lead to our celebration of the Greatest Gift ever given, we should constantly consider how much we trust God and does our “giving”, stewardship in today’s terminology, reflect our trust and thankfulness.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace, Bob
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