The Gifts of the Poor

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

In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds,
"Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext
recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth.

Commentary

Mark's gospel compared the actions of the rich with the giving of a simple widow. Many rich would take their time to give many coins, one at a time. Then a widow entered who have the little she had. On the surface, Jesus seemed to praise the sacrifice of the widow, who offered all she had that day to God.

However, many scholars believe that, beneath the surface, Jesus lamented the action of the widow. By sacrificing all she had, she became even more dependent upon others and even more of a burden on society. In a culture where survival was the priority, was such a sacrifice wise? Was this not an act of suicide?

In addition, who did she give to? The temple treasury was controlled by the same scribes Jesus criticized. The treasury funds were to be used for the poor, but, some have charged, they were really used for the expensive lifestyle of the scribes that Jesus detailed.

But, who was the widow ultimately dependent upon? God. She sacrificed all in the same way many neophyte Christians gave up social ties and economic support of extended family to follow the Way. This poor widow represented the Christian (just as Mary, the mother of Jesus and the widow of Joseph, embodied the movement). Jesus pointed to the self-giving of the widow as an example for all Christians to emulate. And he implicitly criticized the "show off" attitude of the rich who give to build up their reputation.

Catechism Theme: Love for the Poor (CCC 2443-2449)

The widow in Mark's gospel represented the truly poor, those who can neither speak for themselves nor fend for themselves. She shared what we had for the good of others and the glory of God. We are called to do as much.

The Church identifies itself with the poor. In the Beatitudes, Jesus himself proclaimed the Kingdom as the home of the poor. Throughout the centuries, many faithful have served the less fortunate. Today, we, as Christians, are called to share time, talent, and treasure with those who cannot speak for themselves. In fact, our call as Christians demands we share. Any love of wealth is inconsistent with our love for the Lord.

The corporal works of mercy (feeding the sick, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the imprisoned and the sick, burying the dead) detail the Church's love for the poor. These should be at the forefront of Christian activity, not an afterthought.

Have you recently been involved in an activity or ministry that served the poor? Are you involved in a "corporal work of mercy?" Explain.

A wise person once said, "We should thank the poor for the opportunity to serve." Many well-meaning people expect thanks from the less fortunate. But, we who are well off who should lower ourselves to serve the poor, so they can maintain their dignity. We should be the ones who say, "Thank you" and expect nothing in return.

The poor widow gave all she had as a gift. She also gives us a gift. The opportunity to sacrifice our convenience, our self-centeredness, our petty concerns to share what we have with others. To her and all like her, let us express our gratitude.

How can you serve the poor and the less fortunate in gratitude this week?