Reflection for 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Nov. 7, 2021

Reflection for 32^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Nov. 7, 2021

1 Kings 17: 10-16: In this memorable passage, we reflect on the extravagant generosity of the widow of Zarephath, who, at his request, gave the last of her food resources to provide a meal for the prophet, Elijah. This meant that the widow was obediently, willingly and in faith, giving the last meal resources she had for her and her dependent son, in order to provide for the prophet. This is a story about obedience to the prophet’s request for food and about the widow’s acting in faith to share; even at the risk of immediate starvation for her and her son. This story demonstrates the power of acting in faith in God’s miraculous ability to provide for our needs. We see, as in so many other stories in Scripture, how God can multiply resources when we act in faith to provide for others’ needs.

Psalm 146: “Praise the Lord, my soul! Today’s psalm is a song of faith and trust in God; similar to the faith and trust exhibited by the widow of Zarephath and the widow who gave her last two coins; all she had, to God. The psalmist proclaims how the Lord provides food for the hungry, freedom to captives, healing to the sick and handicapped and protection for the vulnerable. Of particular importance to reflect upon this week, we’re told that the Lord “thwarts the way of the wicked.” That’s particularly encouraging in our time; when the wicked seem to be thriving. Time will reveal how God’s will results in victory for the cause of the righteous. Therefore, do not give in to despair. Have hope! God will, in the end, reward the good and bring justice to the wicked.

Hebrews 9:24-28:  Today’s passage from St. Paul continues our central theme this week of the goal of Christians being total self-giving. Paul expounds upon Jesus’ divinely-inspired total gift of Himself. The first part of the gift was Jesus’ totally expending Himself, all throughout His life on Earth, to minister to others’ needs and to teach us His Way. This culminated in Jesus’ total sacrifice of His mortal life for us on the Cross, in atonement for our sins; in order to effect our redemption. At the end of time, Jesus will come again as judge, to advocate on our behalf to the Heavenly Father.

We might reflect this week on the importance of offering and giving our “all” to God; our joys, our sufferings, our work and our accomplishments, in atonement for our own sins and for those of God’s other beloved children. We’re all called to share in the mystery of Jesus’ Redemption of us all. Therefore, we must all join all that we have and are, with Jesus!  

Mark 12:38-44: This tender story of the poor widow’s giving all that she owned to God; a few small coins, speaks volumes! This story demonstrates God’s awareness of all that we think, say and do. It shows that God, penetratingly, can see past appearances, to examine our motives, our attitudes and whether our actions in the name of faith are sincere. Jesus shows that God recognizes and judges the hypocrite and the unapologetically evil as well as the simple, heroic and virtuous just ones. We’re told throughout Scripture that God can discern our hearts and minds from afar. This is both an invitation and a warning to us that we must work on cleansing our minds and hearts to prepare for death and final judgment. Live in love. Then, there is nothing to fear! 

Deacon Matt