Poor Widow : Unrecognized by others, but recognized by Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:1-4*

*First Reading : Dn 1:1-6, 8-20*

*Poor Widow : Unrecognized by others, but recognized by Jesus*

*1) Unnoticed Widow*

The Temple of Jerusalem was a busy place with many activities and with thousands of people

Unless one is very prominent person, no one would be recognized by the others. Because all are busy in their own world 

In this context we can imagine the place of a widow in the temple area, who had no significance from any angle. 

This window was not recognised by anyone 

*2) Widow recognised by Jesus*

A widow who was not recognised by anyone, recognized by Jesus 

Jesus not only recognized the Widow but He proclaimed the greatness of the Widow

A great quality of generosity,  which was hidden in widow was made known to the others by Jesus 

Jesus always recognizes the person for what he/she has in his/her life, and not for outside appearance

*3) Jesus' ministry to the periphery*

The entire ministry of Jesus was concentrated on those people who are at the periphery. 

Here periphery means, those who are least, sinners,  condensed, lepers, sick, unwanted, poor, marginalized and so on 

They were suffering class of people in the society 

So left went after the lost ones, sinners, and lepers to bring them back and to give them their dignity

*4) Recognise those who are unnoticed*

It is very important for us as a followers of Jesus to recognise those who are unrecognized by others 

The world today recognises those, who live their lives according to the Worldly standards 

One who tries to live with the Gospel values either targeted or ignored 

In such situations we need to recognize the achievements of those who are unnoticed by others 

*5) Proclaim to others, the great deeds of poor people*

Poor have no one who can speak on their behalf 

In fact poor people do lots of good works which no one recognizes 

So proclaiming the good deeds of the poorest of the poor is the greatest deed which we can do for the Love of God, and the Love of others 

*6) Need a special Eye to recognize such events*

In fact with Jesus there were His disciples and many other people around the temple treasury. 

But none of them so the great gesture of the widow, except Jesus 

So to recognize such a noble gesture, that too in a simple lady needs a great deal of humility and openness of the Mind 

Only Jesus had such a humility and openness of the mind to recognize such a deed

In other words one needs special inner eyesight, to recognize such noble deeds and bring them to light. Such a gesture will help many people to recognise that great things in the least ones 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*