"But she... has contributed all she had"
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
This upcoming weekend's readings focus on our willingness to sacrifice in our relationship with God. In the first reading we hear of a widow with a son who gives everything she has to help Elijah, a prophet of the Lord. While she has very little, and fears that by helping Elijah she will not have enough for her and her son to survive, the Lord miraculously provides for them all, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy when he says, "Do not be afraid."
Then, in the Gospel Jesus sees a poor widow who puts a small amount into the Temple treasury. While some may see that and think it means nothing or that she is foolish to not use it to take care of herself, Jesus recognizes that, while others only give from their surplus wealth (aka, from their savings) this woman is giving "from her poverty." In other words, she has given everything; she will have less to eat and may experience hardship because of it, but she trusts in God's goodness and is willing to give up everything for it. Jesus points out that, because of this action, "she put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury."
Finally, the second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Christ himself offered his life "to take away the sins of many" and that he will come again "to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him." He gave everything he had, even unto death, and His Father did not abandon him but raised him up so that he may, in turn, raise us up as well!
So the question arises: where are we at in our willingness to sacrifice for the Lord? Are we hesitant to give up comforts or endure ridicule or hardship for God's sake? Are we willing to give from our surplus wealth, but hesitant to give anything more than that? Or are we ready to give up everything, even when it may appear foolish or bring hardship? Wherever we may be, God meets us there and loves us. But... when those moments of risk arise, let us remember the words of Elijah, "Do not be afraid," for God does not forget the plight of those who love him.
Want to prepare your heart and mind for Sunday's Mass? Click here to find the readings.