Thirty Second Sunday of the Year (Year B)

Thirty Second Sunday of the Year – November 10, 2024

1 Kings 17:10-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

(image Courtesy: Google)

A money-collection drive was being conducted in a particular Church for a particular purpose. The people were free to contribute as much as they wanted to the noble cause. One gentleman stood up and announced a rather large contribution, and the people applauded greatly. A few moments later, an old lady stood up and announced her donation, but it was greeted with silence.

The priest, however, in reply to the cold response of the people, stood up and said emphatically, “Ladies and gentlemen, I believe I hear the applause of the nail-scarred Hands!”

The people understood what the priest meant, and slowly but surely applauded the old lady’s generosity.

The Gospel of the Day presents such a similar act of appreciation by Jesus over the apparently “tiny” yet “great” contribution by a widow to the Temple Treasury.

To give to the other involves sacrifice on the part of the giver. God lavished beauty, complexity and grandeur in creating the world. God, the creator of all, is responsible for all our blessings. Life in this world was given to each of us as an undeserved, free gift. We have unequal physical talents, features, and abilities, plus diverse spiritual and intellectual gifts as well. They vary a lot from person to person, but what they all have in common is that they come as free gifts from God who didn’t have to create any of us. God invites us to live a sincere and honest life in accordance with the will of God.  In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that ostentatious behaviour by religious leaders and large contributions made by the wealthy to the Temple. But a poor widow contributes all she has to God and receives appreciation from Jesus.

In the first reading from the Book of 1 Kings, we encounter the story of the widow of Zarephath. In a time of great famine, she is approached by the prophet Elijah, who asks her for water and a piece of bread. The widow, in her dire circumstances, reveals her despair: she has only a handful of flour and a little oil left, enough for one last meal for herself and her son. Yet, in her moment of need, she chooses to trust Elijah’s word from God, and as a result, her supplies miraculously do not run out. This narrative illustrates the themes of faith and divine providence.

In today’s Gospel Jesus critiques the scribes for their hypocrisy and warns against their ostentatious displays of piety. He then observes a poor widow who contributes two small coins to the temple treasury. Jesus highlights her offering as greater than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, demonstrating that true generosity is measured not by the amount given but by the spirit in which it is offered.

These readings collectively challenge us to examine our own faith and the ways we respond to God’s call in our lives. The widow of Zarephath exemplifies a profound trust in God’s provision. In a world that often prioritizes self-preservation and material security, her willingness to share her last meal reflects a radical faith that God will provide. This is a powerful reminder for us today: when we are faced with scarcity—whether financial, emotional, or spiritual—do we cling tightly to what little we have, or do we open our hands in trust, believing that God will sustain us?

Similarly, the widow in the Gospel teaches us about the nature of true giving. Her two small coins, though seemingly insignificant, were given with a heart full of love and sacrifice. Jesus’ commendation of her offering invites us to reflect on our own contributions to the Church and to those in need. Are we giving out of our abundance, or are we willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others? The call to discipleship often requires us to step outside our comfort zones and to give of ourselves in ways that may feel challenging.

Generosity is not merely about financial contributions; it encompasses our time, talents, and love. In a society that often measures success by wealth and status, we are called to redefine what it means to be rich in the eyes of God. The widow’s offering challenges us to consider how we can be more generous in our daily lives. This could mean volunteering our time, offering a listening ear to someone in distress, or simply being present for those who need companionship.

Moreover, the readings remind us that our acts of generosity should be rooted in humility and sincerity. Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the scribes, who seek recognition and honour for their religious practices. True faith is not about seeking accolades but about living authentically in accordance with God’s will. As we reflect on our own lives, we must ask ourselves: Are we performing our acts of faith for the approval of others, or are we genuinely seeking to serve God and our neighbour?

As we reflect on the readings, let us take to heart the lessons of faith, generosity, and hope. May we strive to emulate the widows in our lives—trusting in God’s provision, giving generously from our hearts, and living in the light of the resurrection. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of faith in action.

Happy Sunday