Word to the Wise
Saturday, June 9, 2007 - Ninth Saturday in Ordinary Time
[Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20 and Mark 12:38-44]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.
Although traditional language speaks of the "widow's mite," it is clear that Jesus regards her actions as the widow's MIGHT. Her example contrasts sharply with the religious leadership and the wealthy. By dropping large contributions in the trumpet shaped receptacles made of metal, they would make a big noise. CLANK! She comes with her two small coins! Clink! It is clear that she sought no notice and gave "till it hurt." In this she "prefigures" Jesus who would give HIS all for us. There are a number of challenges in this incident for us to think about. Do we need to be noticed when we do something for the community? (Most of us do!) Do we give to the community "till it hurts." (Most of us don't!) Of course there's a big MIDDLE in this...."Well, it would be nice to be thanked once in awhile!" "I do what I can given my schedule!" "I'm not giving anything as long as that so-and-so is pastor!" As we loudly (interiorly or exteriorly) proclaim these statements, the widow walks past us and the next thing we hear, if we listen carefully is: "Clink!" AMEN
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