Word to the Wise
Monday, November 26, 2018 - 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]
The story of the "Widow's Mite" was first reported in the Gospel According to Mark [12:41-44] which ante-dates the Gospel According to Luke. We read it not long ago. But, with Thanksgiving still on our minds (and waists), it is good to be reminded of the generosity of others that gives us much to be grateful for. But scripture scholars also point out that Jesus' words about the widow come right after he criticizes the scribes saying, "They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation." The requirement that the poor widow contribute to the upkeep of the temple and the lifestyle of the scribes was unjust. She may have done so gladly, but she was also a victim of an unjust system.
Last but not least, Jesus comment may reveal his own feelings about what was going to happen to him there in Jerusalem very soon. He would pray the ultimate price of his life as a result of the opposition of the religious authorities. The late great Brazilian Archbishop Helder Camara once commented, "When I feed the poor I am called a saint, but when I ask why they are hungry, I am called a communist." It is not enough to be grateful for the widow's generosity. We do need to ask about a requirement that took all that she had. AMEN