![]() Sunday Scripture Reflection: Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading I: 1 Kings 17: 10-16 Reading II: Hebrews 9: 24-28 Gospel: Mark 12: 38-44 Drought prevails in the first reading when Elijah visits the widow of Zarephath. God has ordered Elijah to seek out the widow and ask her for some nourishment. But because of the dire conditions this widow faces, she explains that she has nothing baked to offer. And she also has just a handful of flour and very little oil to prepare bread. With this small number of rations, she had planned on using as the last meal for her and son to eat before they died. What a sad situation……. but Elijah insists that if she prepares a small cake for him, God will provide her with enough flour and oil to last until God sends rain to fall upon the earth. The great faith of this widow is remarkable. By obeying Elijah, she acknowledges the authority of God. This situation makes me ponder: how would I or my fellow Theresians face a dilemma such as this. Would we respond with “great” faith? How about acknowledgement of the authority of God and complete trust? Hmmm…….. In today’s gospel, Jesus is teaching to the crowds. He observes that many rich people have put in large sums into the treasury. A widow comes along and puts in two small coins worth a few cents. (notice here, another widow, different story) Of course, Jesus who is all-knowing recognizes that the poor widow has put in more than the other contributors. For Jesus KNOWS what lies in the hearts of people. The rich people had contributed from their surplus wealth, but the widow had contributed ALL she had, her whole livelihood. She has withheld nothing just like the widow of Zarephath. But no promise of more provisions had been offered as in the first story. Here is our invitation to examine our lives. Do we give everything over to God? Not just financially, but also our time, talents, our worries, joys, prayer life? Are we just “talking the talk” or actually “walking the walk”. We must shine the light of Christ and share his love with others. A M E N Eileen Eskew, Petals of Faith, Jennings, LA
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2024
Categories
All
|
Theresians International
PO Box 487 | Elburn, IL 60119 |
QUICK LINKS
|