The liturgical theme for the 32nd Sunday in OT B puts before us the example of two widows: the widow of Zarephath and the widow whom Jesus notices. Both gave all that they had: the first in giving food to Elijah and the other in expressing her devotion to the Temple of Jerusalem. Both are presented as examples of pious generosity. In contrast to these are the scribes whom Jesus exposes as hypocrites. Read the articles you find here and use the following as guide for reflection.
1. Widows in Israel belonged to a special category of people which society took care of through alms. The widow whom Jesus saw contributing to the Temple's upkeep was not obliged to do so; she after all should be the one receiving alms. But there she was giving all that she had for the beautification and maintenance of God's House. It was for this reason that her devotion and piety was noticed by Jesus.
Reflect. The widow gave not because she was obliged but because she wanted to. The widow's piety is different from the legalism of the scribes because she did for the Temple what she wanted to do and not because it was required of her. Is your piety similar to that of the widow? Would you say that you practise acts of piety because you want to and not because you are required to do so?
2. Jesus compared the widow's contribution to the amount being given by society's more fortunate ones and declared that hers was qualitatively better. The widow's "mite" is the Greek lepton which "represented the lightest and least valuable coin of the period" (Keener).. And the reason he says is that while the others gave from their surplus, she however gave all that she had.
Reflect. When you give your talent or time to God, what are you giving: your surplus, or your all? Are you the type of parishioner who when asked to help in the parish's program would refuse by saying: "I don't have free time for this, perhaps when this or that business transaction pushes through ... etc."?
3. The scribes belonged to a profession that made them respectable in society. They had knowledge of the Law and they showed it -- literally -- so that they may be honored. They were also the one's who "devour the homes of widows". Keener observes
Jesus could mean that these teachers exploit widows' resources by seeking extensive tithes (which they could set at 20-30% on top of the heavy land taxes levied by the government); or he could mean that they follow the letter of the law in legal decisions rather than showing mercy to the poor 1
The desire for honor covers the scribes' neglect for what God truly wants: mercy rather than sacrifice. And for this, Jesus calls them hypocrites.
Reflect. Filipino "amor propio" requires one to be honorable at whatever station in life one happens to be in. But does your "amor propio" also bring you to love others as you love yourself?
- 1. Craig Keener. IVP The Bible Background Commentary for the New Testament, p. 170
