The Story of Two widows

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty Second Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44*

*First Reading : 1 Kgs 17:10-16*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10*

*Second Reading - Heb 9:24-28*

*The Story of Two widows*

*1) Almsgiving Sunday*

This Sunday could very well be called as Almsgiving Sunday because, it highlights about the true spirit of almsgiving 

The readings of today have a beautiful theme which highlights from all angles about the importance of Almsgiving 

That's why this Sunday is all about almsgiving

*2) Two Widows*

In today's liturgy we have two widows 

Both the widows are mentioned in the context of almsgiving 

Both of them had nothing. But they sharee whatever they had 

Their story is really a inspiring one 

*3) The Widow from Zarephath.*

This widow had nothing, except, *only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug.*

She was gathering some sticks to bake the flour and to eat whatever she had, before she and her Son 

Prophet Elijah comes and asks for some food and drink. 

The widow shares whatever she had. 

As a result *the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah*

*4) The Widow at the Temple*

She had only two little copper coins

She comes to the temple and gives whatever she had 

In Jesus' words *from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”*

It involves a great sacrifice and trust in God to do such a great gesture

Its not for publicity or for name and fame. 

She was observing her duty without any ones notice or seeking attention

*5) The Choice of Windows*

In both the instances it is the widows who have become the champions of almsgiving

Usually we think of those who have lot of wealth and money when it comes for the almsgiving

Quite opposite to this Jesus chooses the poor widows to teach the real spirit of almsgiving  

*6) Attitude matters*

It is not the amount of money or resources matters when it comes to generosity 

But it is the attitude that matters 

With what intension and with what spirit I give is more important than the quantity I give 

Wrongly motivated almsgiving does not bring any blessings from Jesus 

*7) Any one can involve in almsgiving*

From these  parables one thing is very clear 

To give involves a true and genuine spirit 

The very fact Jesus highlights and gives us the widows as models for generosity, it is very clear almsgiving can be done by anyone 

To give one need not be rich in wealth. But one should be rich in behavior and his/her outlook  

If widows can do so much, why can't I do a little in almsgiving?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*