I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar
and a little oil in my jug.
Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks,
to go in and prepare something for myself and my son;
when we have eaten it, we shall die.
In the readings today we see two examples of the type of generous heart that Jesus wants us to have as well. The widow is able to attend to Elijah's request even though she has almost nothing left. Her faith enables her to make the cake for which he asks even though her jar of flour is almost empty. The widow about whom Jesus speaks is able to give two coins even though it was all she had.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
This is contrasted with the scribes who are too obsessed with honor to really notice the plight of widows. They may give money to the treasury but it does not stem from any compassion for others. It is not a true offering in the sense that Jesus desires it.
The sacrifice of Jesus is meant to be the model for all of our own giving as well.
But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages
to take away sin by his sacrifice.
When we give we can unite our offering to his offering. We can give all we have even when it means embracing our crosses. The widow who helped Elijah does this. In faith she is able to see beyond the potential death of herself and her son, believing in the eventual everlasting reward symbolized by the endless jar of flour and jug of oil. The widow in the gospel is able to give her two coins precisely because she knows that the one to whom she gives them is faithful. Even if she has nothing left on our she can trust him.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.
Our own selfishness is going to get in the way unless we rely on Jesus for help. Our faith in him is what allows us to take up our crosses and to give without counting the cost. It is a faith that sees beyond the cross to hope on the far side of desolation, to the resurrection and the reward of eternal life.
The fatherless and the widow he sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
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