32nd Sunday In Ordinary Time

Readings: 1Kings 17.10-16, Hebrews 9.24-28, Mark 12.38-44

The first reading brings to mind Jesus’ words in Luke 4:25-26, “ I assure that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years . Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but t o a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.” It is noteworthy that the widow who showed   great generosity and trust was not an Israelite but a Canaanite. Despite the famine, I am sure that there were families in Israel and in Sidon who were not impoverished, and could have taken good care of Elijah, Yet God chose to send Elijah to the poor widow . This means that God can use anyone. Let no one say “I am poor;” or “ I am not worthy.” 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “God chose .” the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak thighs of the world to shake the strong. The generosity of poor widow in the first reading and the generosity of the poor widow in the Gospel are perfect examples of self-giving and faith. Both widows, generously, gave their whole livelihood. Jesus, himself, gave his life for us.

The readings are a challenge to us, firstly to empty ourselves to God in such a way that whatever we have should be used for God’s glory. St. Ignatius OF Loyola has this in mind when he composed a prayer for liberty: ‘Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will. All I have and call my own, you have given all to the: Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will.  Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.” We may not be able to strip ourselves of our material possessions as St. Francis of Assisi and some saints did. However, we must consider all we have to belong to God and be used for his glory. We are to be more God conscious and less protective of what God has given us.

Secondly two major vices that have caused poverty in our world are greed and selfishness. Poverty will be alleviated when our world becomes less greedy and less selfish. Again, we need to realize that everything we have is from God, and giving to us not only for our sake but for the sake of humanity.

Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure

Thirdly, as we see in the first reading and in Luke 6:38, Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” The widow gave ad was given back: “She was able to eat for a year, and she had her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the Lord had foretold through Elijah.”

It is not only material possessions that we share with one another we are also invited to, generously to share with one another, our talents, ideas, knowledge, attention, understanding, care, cooperation, assistance, presence and services.