November 08, 2009 32nd Ordinary Sunday of the Year 1 Kings 17:10-16; Heb. 9:24-28; Mk. 12:38-44 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/110809.shtml   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________     If any one of us were actually to see in real life a poor widow giving the very last of her money to religion, would we not judge the act to be repulsive and to be based on misguided piety because she would be neglecting her own needs?   The point of Jesus' commendation is that the true measure of gifts is not how much is given but how much remains behind or that the measure of gifts is the percentage of one's means which the gift represents, and that the true measure of gifts is the self-denial involved, the cost for the giver. It is not the amount which one gives that matters but the spirit in which the gift is given. When specified, that spirit is variously seen as self-offering, self-forgetfulness, unquestioning surrender, total commitment, loyalty and devotion to God's call, gratitude, generosity, humility, trust in God to provide for one's needs, detachment from possessions. The point of the story is that the true gift is to give everything we have.   Each of us is unique before God. Each of us has a unique faith history and a unique gift that only we can offer to the world. Even if we wanted to, we could not compete because only we can offer what we are and have. When we realize this truth we can begin to enjoy our own lives without comparing ourselves with others or competing with them. It is little indeed, but if it is the best that I can offer right now, it is unique before the Lord and that makes it priceless.   The gospel reading is another example of how it is not the outward appearances, but the inward condition of the heart that captures the attention of God. No one, but Jesus notices the widow and her meager gift. The conclusion is very clear. It is not the amount of the gift, but the proportion of the gift that counts. The widow gives much more in the eyes of God than do the wealthy who give out of abundance. They have plenty left - she has her faith in God alone because she gave everything she had.   It is obvious of course that God does not really need our gifts - it is not as though the kingdom would fail for the lack of monetary support. The widow's gift is a gift of complete devotion and trust. The kingdom is built with persons like her.   Jesus makes a special point of calling his disciples to observe what is taking place and teaches them what it means to give.   <<   Previous: 31st Sunday of the Year  | Next: 33rd Sunday of the Year     Go Back to SERMONS (Year B)