November 12, 2006 - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time B

http://liturgy.slu.edu/32OrdB111206/theword_working.html

November 12, 2006 - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time B


Reading I: 1 Kings 17:10-16
Responsorial Psalm: 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Reading II: Hebrews 9:24-28
Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 (long form);
12:41-44 (short form)

Key words and phrases from the Gospel: He . . . observed, rich people, large sums, poor widow, her whole livelihood

To the point: Surprisingly, the "large sums" given by the "rich people" pale in comparison to the widow's far greater gift of "two small coins." She gives her all, "her whole livelihood."

It is not the size of the gift which measures its value but the depth of the self-gift from which it comes. This is the kind of giving of which Jesus takes note.

Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: The gospel widow gives her last coins; Elijah's widow gives her last meal. If Elijah's widow is rewarded with food for a year, imagine how great the gospel widow's reward!
Connecting the Gospel to human experience: A child's handmade birthday card to Mom is as precious to her as Dad's gift of jewelry. It is not the size of the gift which measures its value but the depth of the self-gift from which it comes.

Understanding Scripture:
Selfless giving and giving of self: Apart from the Temple discourse in Mark 13, the episode in this Sunday's gospel is Jesus' last public act before his passion and death.

With the sober reality of the cross looming large, the religious posturing of the scribes in the Temple precincts is especially onerous. Their clothing, seating, public acts of piety, and places of honor keep public attention focused on them.

This is the same posturing and jockeying for position for which Jesus had rebuked James and John (Sunday 29). But the self-seeking of the scribes goes far deeper: Jesus charges that they "devour the houses of widows" (see Isa 3:14).

The exploitation and victimization of widows represents a far more grievous offense than merely seeking honor and prestige. Moreover, these disgraceful acts are hidden behind the "pretext" of "lengthy prayers." Using public piety to mask private corruption will receive a "severe condemnation."

The self-seeking and self-serving deeds of the scribes set up a contrast to the inconspicuous generosity and selfless other-centeredness of the unnoticed widow who acts with genuine piety.

The severity of her poverty may be inferred from her offering: the Greek word translated as "two small coins" refers to the smallest coin in circulation (equivalent to our smallest coin, the penny). These two coins constituted her "whole livelihood." When the text calls her a "poor widow," it is an understatement: she is closer to destitute.

Her poverty is contrasted to the "rich people [who] put in large sums." We may presume that the offerings of the rich were exactly calculated tithes, while the offering of the widow was complete and unstinting she "contributed everything she had."

On the one hand, she is a model of discipleship as she humbly gives what she can. Again, the story of the rich man (Sunday 28) comes to mind: even his desire for eternal life cannot induce him to give up his possessions, while this poor widow gives up "her whole livelihood."

On the other hand, her offering everything she has anticipates the offering Jesus will soon make when he, too, gives his entire life.

Opening: We are called ( CC-511 )
CCM Opening: Come, Now is the time to worship(SS2-383)
Psalm: CC-99: Praise the Lord My Soul
Offertory: give thanks(see sheet)
Com 1: the supper of the lord (cc-486)
Com 2: eye has not seen (cc-439)
Closing: city of god(cc-509)