32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time YR. B
1Kings 17:10-16; Hebrew 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44
Today, the thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time, the mother Church encourages us to learn and appreciate the virtues of generosity and hospitality. She reminds us that, as Christ generously offered himself for our salvation, we too must be generous with others. A common theme in this Sunday’s readings is generosity and trust in Divine Providence.
The story of two different widows in today’s Scripture is a powerful testament to the unwavering trust in God’s providence. It is only through faith that we can give from our needs. These two widows gave from all that they had. They did not give from their surplus but from all they had to survive, a true act of faith and trust in God’s care.
Jesus teaches his disciples that the widow had contributed “more than all” Why?
She had given “all she had, her whole livelihood, whereas the others gave from the surplus.”
The woman’s contribution came from faith and gratitude. By that one simple act, she demonstrated unreserved trust in the goodness of God and His promises to care for His people. She was not afraid to let go of everything and to cast herself completely on the loving mercy of God. This hefty sum given by the rich, although not rejected by God, did not equal the value of the widow’s few cents. Their offering (rich)cost them nothing, the widow’s required everything.
The widow at the Temple was a living example of what Jesus taught about the kingdom of God. “Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth…but …treasures in heaven. (Matt.6:19-21)
The first reading teaches us that whenever God asks us for everything, we need not fear our loss. God will keep His word. In Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put into your lap…” Prayer: Lord Jesus, each day I need to learn that it is in losing that I find it.
The Psalmist is full of praise for God’s trustworthiness in caring for all those in great need who trust in Him. Therefore, we sing, “Praise the Lord, my Soul.”
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