Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
She, from her poverty, has contributed all she had. (Mark 12:38-44)
What a contrast! The scribes in today’s Gospel were conscious of how they appeared to others. Their long robes matched up nicely with their long prayers, and who wouldn’t agree that time spent in the synagogues was well spent? Compared to these men, the widow seemed insignificant. Anyone looking at her could probably tell that she was poor. Her clothes were probably torn, and her shoes were worn thin. It could be easy to see her two small coins as a reflection of her limited value.
But looks can be deceiving. “The Lord looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), and this widow’s heart was given to the Lord. By being willing to give “all she had, her whole livelihood,” she also offered the Lord her energy, time, and prayers (Mark 12:44). The scribes should have been willing to do the same. But Jesus knew their hearts were full of themselves (kind of reminds us of some of today’s politicians). They clung too tightly to their pride and position as scholars of the Law and expected everyone to treat them with great honor and respect.
Let’s use this Gospel passage today to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to offer “all we have” to the Lord? Or do we hold onto some things—or some people—too tightly? Maybe we cling to our status and the respect that comes with it. Maybe we are holding onto our money too tightly instead of giving generously to those in need. Maybe we have too tight a grasp on our free time instead of being willing to serve someone. We might even struggle with “letting go” of someone close to us, like our adult children.
If you detect that you are holding onto something or someone too tightly, don’t despair! Imagine the Lord standing before you, smiling as he receives whatever gift you offer him. Then, hear him say, “Don’t worry. I can give you all that you need!”
Some of us may be struggling to accept and deal with the election results on November 5th and how it may impact our lives. Does this mean we should not be charitable to those whose politics differ from ours? The answer is an unequivocal “no,” because despite what happened on November 5th, we must still live by the greatest commandment of “loving our neighbor,” we must still be generous and charitable to all our Brothers and Sisters.
Let us live by the widow's example, trusting that God will give us what we need to survive these uncertain times. Through our faith, we know that He is preparing us for something better.
Author: Deacon Michael Taylor, Archdiocese of New Orleans at Blessed Trinity Parish in New Orleans, Louisiana. Deacon Taylor is the current Secretary of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus.
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