32ndSunday of OT year B 2018:
This poor widow has given more than all the others. Today we are talking about generosity. There are two poor widows in our readings. The first reading, there is a poor widow who takes care of the prophet. In the gospel, the poor widow throws in a couple simple coins to the temple treasury. Both, are tremendous examples of generosity. Yet, both of them gave in very simple ways: a bit of bread, a couple coins.
What does this teach us? Generosity is about more than results. Generosity is about the internal disposition. It doesn’t matter how much we give, it matters what we give.
As many of you know, I just wrapped up the St. John bible study and I’ve started this new Message in a Minute weekly email and reflection. This has gotten my back into the habit of looking at the Greek text of the gospels. The whole New Testament is written in Greek. I have been fortunate enough to take a number of classes in Greek. Now, I’m not a snob. I really think that the translation that we use here at Mass is a good one. But, I often find lots of little fascinating tidbits when I get the chance to read the original language.
A great example of this took place in today’s gospel. One of these tidbits is the difference between the description of the donations by the rich people and the donation by the poor widow. The rich people gave money, the poor person put in 2 leptas. One was specific, one was generic. I found this fascinating. If you want to learn more, pick up the MIM for this week.
But, there was another thing that stood out. When Jesus is describing these gifts. We hear: they gave from their surplus, she gave from her livelihood. Now, this is exactly right and it is a great way to translate the Greek. But, when Jesus is describing what the widow gave, he says: she gave from her bios. Bios is a very interesting word. It means life: biology for example is the study of living things. Now, it is completely appropriate to translate bios in this context as livelihood, because these are the coins that she uses to sustain her life: therefore, livelihood. But, I got thinking about this. Jesus points to her as an example for his disciples because of her great generosity. Why does she appear generous? Because she gives her very life to God. Interesting isn’t it? True generosity is the giving of one’s life.
Now, it doesn’t take much to think about the greatest example of generosity in the history of the world does it? Jesus gave his life. And that is precisely why this woman is a great example for Christians: she is like Jesus. Jesus gave his life completely. This woman gave her life, her livelihood. She is the model for Christians because she acts like Christ. She is model of Christ’s generosity because she gives of her very life.
This is the perfect time for us all to consider if we are being generous. Are we following this amazing woman’s example? Or do we just give when it’s convenient and easy. We are all called to be generous. Certainly, this means monetary donations sometimes. We still need a lot of help to reach our Bishop’s Appeal goal this year. And, we are always grateful for your donations that help us to fund our mission here at the Cathedral. In the back of Church, there is the giving tree. Your donations help people have a nice Christmas this year. Plus, there are many other wonderful charities that can use your support. So, maybe God is calling you to be generous with your finances. Think about this poor widow next time you reevaluate you tithing.
But, also, what about your time and your efforts? The poor widow in the first reading didn’t so much give money, as she gave time and hard work. Believe me, I know that time is a valuable thing. It seems like we have less and less time all the time right? But, can we really say that we are using our time wisely?
I own an Apple phone. Lots of people do. They started this new app called “Screen Time.” It keeps track of how much you have your phone on and then gives a report at the end of every week. I’ve been averaging 2+ hours of screen time per day. Now, on the one hand, that might not sound terrible. But, on the other, I can’t really say I don’t have any free time right? Because 20 years ago there was no such thing at cell phones. 20 years ago I had almost 3 more hours per day. And if I chucked my phone in the river, I could get them back.
Now, I’m not saying I’m gonna chuck my phone in the river. But, this screen time app does make me stop and think: am I using my time wisely? Could I do more to serve my Lord? Could I do more to be like these poor widows in the readings who gave their very lives in service of God? Of course I could. We all could.
So, great examples for us today. These amazing widows gave so much, because they gave their very lives. These are perfect examples of Christian generosity, because they are just like Christ: who gave his life for us. And he doesn’t stop. Right here at this altar Christ continues to give himself for us by pouring out his very life: his body and blood. And he calls us to give of our lives in return.
