Word to the Wise
Sunday, November 8, 2015 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
[1 Kgs 17:10-16; Heb 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44]"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]
One of the standard features of campus ministry programs nowadays is a "mission trip." Students go to a Third World country and experience the culture while contributing labor to help with housing or medical or other needs. Many of these students come back shaken by the level of poverty and want that they saw, and also humbled by the generosity of the people who give them food and other gifts out of their meager resources. The students learn the contrast that Jesus notes between the wealthy who give from their surplus wealth and the poor widow who gives her last coins.
A second contrast today speaks to a different kind of humility. Jesus points to the scribes, a class of persons who could read and write and conduct much of the formal communication required in business. This gave them considerable influence and some of them were fond of making themselves "noticed" by wearing their official robes "off duty" as it were so that people could greet them. The inferior had to speak to the superior first. How much do we want to be "noticed?" And for what do we want to be noticed? Do we remain like children who compete with other children, especially siblings, crying out: "Hey, watch me!" Can we give humble service without being motivated by praise (as nice as that can be when given appropriately).
The surplus wealth made a big noise when put in the metal horn-shaped deposit containers (CLANK!). That would attract notice! The widow could only manage a small "Clink." But she got Jesus' attention! AMEN
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