THE GENEROUS WIDOW

32d Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 12: 38 - 44

 

          If you’re a fan of SNL you might remember the early days when the character, Fr. Guido Sarducci, would often make an appearance.  In one skit he announced that he had been promoted to Monsignor.

 

          “Well, I’m-a very happy to announce that-a next time you see me, I’m-a gonna be monsignor.  That’s right. I was-a promoted. Thank-a you, yes, thank-a you.”  Then, pointing to his sleeve he said, “When you’re monsignor, you get to have a nice-a red stripe, and they say that-a nothing brings out the good veal in Italian restaurants than that-a red stripe, you know. “

 

          And there is a humorous look at clericalism.  Jesus is much more serious, of course, in his treatment of clericalism, when he chastises the ostentatious scribes.  But such self-centered egotism doesn’t just reside with the clergy, as Jesus reminds us,  when he sat down and observed the rich people put large sums of money in the synagogue’s treasury. 

 

          Jesus makes us stop and think.  Do we act his way sometimes?  Do we like the recognition of being a big contributor to the church.  Do we think it entitles us to certain privileges?  Do we think, sometimes, that we’re better than others because we give more money, give more time, give more attention?

 

          The generosity of the humble widow doesn’t earn her that recognition, that privilege, does it?  Yet, she still gives. She gives from her need.  She gives from her heart, not her ego.  She simply  does the right thing.  As Cicero one said, “Virtue is its own reward.”

 

 

“Call Me Ishmael”