Word to the Wise
Saturday, June 6, 2015 - Saturday in the 9th Week in Ordinary Time
[Tob 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." [Mark]
The physical surroundings in this story have inspired me in the past to speak of the tiny "clink, clink" of the widow's offering in the large metal coin box - one of a number placed around the courtyard for that purpose in the temple. Her "clink, clink" contrasted greatly with the "clank, clank" of wealthier offerings. Jesus comments on her generosity because it had an ultimate quality to it, "her whole livelihood." Since this incident occurs just before the passion, Jesus' own ultimate offering may have been underlying his comments. But we are still left with the widow's "mite" to ponder. She is like the widow at Zarephath in the days of Elijah, mentioned by Jesus in Nazareth. [Luke 4] The title of one of Flannery O'Connor's short stories comes to mind, "You can't be any poorer than dead." This is what an ultimate gift can mean.
Each year, when our Southern Dominican Province conducts its 1216 Campaign to raise funds to help us educate our student brothers (seminarians) and care for our elderly friars, I am sent a report from the provincial office when each donation comes in, so that I can send a note of gratitude. I am continually humbled by the generosity of the friends and family to whom I send the request card. I can assure you that you are prayed for everyday. In some cases, I know the donation comes from folks who can ill-afford it and I am all the more humbled and grateful.
The widow's "mite" becomes her "might" when she gains the attention of the Lord. We should have that same confidence in our own generosity. AMEN
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