Word to the Wise
Monday, November 21, 2016 - Monday in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rev 14:1-3, 4b-5 and Luke 21:1-4]When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "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]
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016 THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
[Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5 and Luke 21:1-4]
When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "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]
Scripture scholars offer three potential interpretations of this scene from the Gospel of Luke, traditionally referred to as the "Widow's Mite." First, there is her generosity when compared to that of the wealthier contributors. Second, there is the injustice of the temple "system" which required a donation from the poor that they could ill afford. Third, Jesus may be also referring to his own future gift or sacrifice of himself which would occur soon since this scene takes place after his arrival in Jerusalem. I would offer a further reflection.
I live near a very large university with many grand buildings bearing the names of very generous alumni who have made very large gifts that enabled these buildings to be constructed. I certainly do not want to criticize that generosity. I am thinking about the fact that when Jesus spoke about the widow's donation, everyone could hear the loud noice made by a big donation in the trumpet-shaped metal depositories at the temple. The widow's donation would have escaped hearing, yet it was all she had to live on! The contribution of the poor often goes unnoticed. Jesus notices, and after hearing of that notice in today's gospel, I hope we will notice, too! AMEN