In Giving We Receive: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Heb 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44 (32 B)

 

In Giving We Receive

 

1 Kings 17:10-16; Heb 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44 (32 B)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall have their fill” (Divine Office)

 

In ancient times widows were in a precarious situation if they did not have an adult son to protect and care for them. The widow of Zeraphath suffered from famine. Yet she cared for the stranger offering her little food. God rewarded her generosity. Elisha came upon another widow who cried to him, “Creditors have come to take my two children away as slaves.” She had no defender. She was at the mercy of dishonest judges. The Books of Exodus and Deuteronomy place a curse on anyone who would deprive widows of justice. The prophets noted that the land suffers the sin of those who abuse widows. 

 

God rewarded Ruth for her virtue. She said to her mother-in-law Naomi, “Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people. Your God, my God.” The reward was that one of her great-grandchildren would be King David. Another descendant would be Jesus Christ. God never abandons virtuous people.  

 

Jesus attacked the scribes who devoured the houses of widows. He stated that the widow gave her whole livelihood from her poverty. It was praised for her generosity. These widows were poor but rich in faith. So often the poor are more generous than the rich. How had these widows become impoverished? Had shrewd people found ways to take advantage of them? Or were they merely victims of the economic system of their day? How had it happened that society could take advantage of the destitute? How does it happen that society continues to take advantage of those who have no protection?

 

The Church has written quite a lot about the sinful structures of society. Pope Francis has been determined to lead the Church to be mindful of the poor. Wealth is not bad. What is wrong and sinful is using improper means to gain wealth. What is wrong and sinful is wasting wealth without regard for the poor around us. Jesus marveled at a widow with little given to the Temple Treasury.  He rejoices when those who care for society. The strength of society is measured by the concern we have for the weakest members.

 

Jesus teaches that real giving must come from the heart. A gift given with a grudge or for display loses its value. But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is invaluable. The amount or size of the gift doesn't matter as much as the cost to the giver. What we have to offer may look very small and not worth much, but if we put all we have at the Lord's disposal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, God can do with it and with us what is beyond our reckoning.

 

“How then shall we repay him? What fruit can we bear that would be worthy of what he has given us?” (Divine Office)