Word to the Wise
Monday, November 25, 2013 - Monday in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
[Dan 1:1-6, 8-20 and Luke 21:1-4]"[S]he, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
Jesus contrasts the stark generosity of the widow with the folks who have plenty to give and do give it. The difference is in what it costs! The lady has nothing else. The others still have plenty. The focus is not so much that these wealthy folks are wrong or bad, but we do know that Jesus constantly warns about the dangers of wealth. The focus is on the radical generosity of the widow who would be considered, along with orphans, one of the most vulnerable persons in society of the time. Jesus' own radical generosity is being foreshadowed here.
What do we have that we can give? Is it time? Treasure? Talent? Yes, others may be able to give more but without any cost. What do we have that we can give? We know what the widow did, and the widow visited by Elijah in Zarephat (whom Jesus mentioned at Nazareth as an example of faith). What the widow in the gospel does today is show faith and love that is complete, which leads to her actions. Can we do the same? AMEN