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Word to the Wise

Monday, November 21, 2011 - Monday in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

[Dan 1:1-6, 8-20 and Luke 21:1-4,]
I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood. [Luke]

     The incident of the Poor Widow follows a criticism of the lifestyle of the "scribes." [20:45-47]  Her detachment even from the last bit of money that she has contrasts sharply with the "long robes" and "devour the houses of widows!" words that Jesus uses to condemn the scribes.  The basic criticism from Jesus is that the scribes used their position in society as scholars of the Mosaic Law to enrich themselves.  Since the Gospel of Luke emphasizes the dangers of material wealth, the scribes are an example of what wealth can do to a person, and the widow becomes an example of the person who places confidence in God.  It is not a question of glorifying poverty but recognizing faith and generosity.  Jesus recognizes the relative value of the widow's gift compared with those who had plenty to give but were not "giving till it hurts."

     At a parish mission I preached earlier this year, I was impressed by the pastor of the parish who was the first to put a donation in the collection basket at Mass.  There is always an opportunity to bear witness!  One of the sad aspects of the closing of many old Catholic parishes in response to financial problems and demographic changes is that these churches were built with the nickels and dimes of poor immigrant populations.  Occasionally at parish missions in suburban areas, pastors will share with me that huge amount of indebtedness that hangs over the new and very large church building!  Does this place a further burden on the "widows" of the area?  Is Jesus' comment about the widow really a criticism of the temple tax system which needed vast resources to maintain?
     As is often the case, a very small incident in the gospel contains many strands of significance.  The widow's two small coins bring us a wealth of things to think about.  AMEN
    
     

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