God wants us to give willingly.
On this 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, as we approach the end of the
Liturgical year, we are invited to pause and reflect on our spiritual journey thus
far. The period leading up to this time has been one of growth and exploration as
we listened to Jesus’ teachings and rich narratives, allowing us to deepen our
understanding of God’s love and the call to live out that love in our daily lives.
In today’s readings we learn about faith and trust as we encounter two
widows who both face frightful circumstances. In the first reading from I Kings,
the widow of Zarephath, amidst a severe famine, is preparing a last meal for
herself and her son. When the prophet Elijah approaches her and requests food,
knowing her supplies are nearly depleted, she hesitates. Yet, Elijah reassures
her of God’s promise that her jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry. In an act of
faith, she offers Elijah what little she has, and God miraculously provides for her
and her son. Despite her dreadful circumstances, the widow’s willingness to
share her last meal is a testament to the transformative power of faith in God’s
ability to sustain us, even in the bleakest of times.
In the Gospel, St. Mark presents us with another poor widow, who unlike the
widow of Zarephath, gives all she has – two coins – to the treasury, without any
assurance of future provision. Jesus observes her giving and declares it a
profound testament to her faith. She offers everything, not out of abundance, but
out of sheer trust in God. The widow does not give from her surplus; instead, she
gives from her need, expressing the essence of sacrificial love.
These readings encourage us to reflect on our lives and how we respond to
God’s call. Are we willing to give of ourselves, even when we feel depleted? The
significance of these stories lies in both widow’s willingness to act in faith despite
uncertainty. They invite us to consider trusting God’s provision while giving and
serving others. True generosity is not measured by the amount we give but by
the spirit with which we give.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we move closer to the end of the Liturgical year
and reflect on our faith journey this past year, let us remember the examples of
these widows. They teach us to trust in God’s provision, a trust that can bring
reassurance and security even in the most challenging times. They challenge us
to give wholeheartedly, even when we have little. May we embrace the Gospel
message that God sees our actions and knows our hearts. Let us trust that, like
the widow of Zarephath and the widow in the temple, we are part of a divine
narrative where our small acts of faith can lead to miraculous outcomes.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor