How Sacrificial Is Our Giving?

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 

1 Kings 17:10-16
Psalm 145(146):7-10
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

In the recent Gospel reading, Our Lord imparts a lesson on the nature of generosity to the populace of Jerusalem, and by extension, to us. In previous years, the disparity between the affluent contributing substantial amounts and the impoverished widow donating a mere penny may have seemed exaggerated. However, statistical data indicates that while developed nations amass wealth, many less-developed nations continue to be marginalized.

Even within our own country, a concerning trend emerges: the wealthy increasingly accumulate resources while the poor become comparatively poorer. Mainstream media frequently publish lists detailing the fortunes of the affluent, some of whom take pride in showcasing their wealth.

This prevailing culture of acquisition drives a desire for increased income, expanded assets, and higher investment returns, often relegating the needs of the impoverished to a lower priority within the interests of wealthier nations.

Before addressing the case of the poor widow, Jesus critiques the motivations of the scribes, accusing them of performing public prayers to garner respect and approval from others. “What hypocrites!” one might assert. However, it is essential to reflect critically on our own behaviors. Are we not susceptible to similar tendencies?

Consider the pursuit of designer labels; as incomes rise, an increasing number of individuals feel compelled to wear high-end fashion items, which inherently serve to display the label. Many among us expend considerable effort to “keep up with the Joneses.” It is likely that if we were to acquire significant wealth, our inclination would be to showcase it.

This atmosphere of materialism diverts us from the spirit of generosity exemplified by the poor widow. Jesus stated, “I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all who have contributed to the treasury.”

The more we immerse ourselves in the quest for material gain, the more we risk resembling those wealthy individuals whom Our Lord critiques, who offer only what they can spare.

In stark contrast, the widow’s contribution, though seemingly insignificant in financial terms, holds substantial value in the eyes of Our Lord; “this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed.”

Many devout and committed Catholics still adopt a minimalist approach regarding the Sunday collection, often contributing only coins or small denominations retrieved from their pockets or purses.

However, Our Lord evaluates the value of a gift to His Church based on the true financial status of the donor. Frequently, such loose change represents only a fractional portion of an individual’s weekly income and expenditures. Generally, we allocate our financial resources to that which we deem most significant.

Individuals are encouraged to calculate the approximate percentage of their weekly income they plan to contribute today and reflect on this percentage in light of their relationship with Our Lord and the importance of His Church in their lives.

The widow’s contribution stemmed from a genuinely generous spirit. “From the little she had, she has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.” This theme of total generosity resonates throughout the readings at Mass today.

In the First Book of Kings, the story of Elijah visiting the widow prompts her to provide him with the last of her food, a choice that leads to a miraculous outcome through divine providence.

In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author reflects on the self-sacrificial nature of Christ, asserting, “He has made His appearance once and for all… to do away with sin by sacrificing himself.”

The boundless generosity of God the Son is epitomized by His incarnation, culminating in His unwavering love and sacrifice for humanity. This love persists irrespective of an individual’s capacity for generosity or materialistic pursuits.

Nonetheless, His teachings and life inspire us to emulate His generous spirit in whatever capacity we can. The extraordinary love and generosity He exhibited beckon us to strive toward greater generosity and love in our own Christian lives.

It is plausible that navigating an increasingly materialistic society poses challenges to the authentic expression of Christian generosity. Therefore, it is imperative that we actively cultivate this virtue as part of our calling as twenty-first-century Christians. We may initiate this process through practical, manageable actions.

A review of the November calendar reveals several saints renowned for their practical acts of generosity. Saint Martin de Porres, who served the marginalized in 16th-century Peru, dedicated himself to aiding those in need, earning him the title “Martin the Charitable.”

Similarly, Saint Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, is celebrated not only for his administrative excellence but also for risking his life to deliver Holy Communion to plague-stricken individuals during a time when many of his clergy fled the city. Saint Martin of Tours is immortalized in art for his act of sharing his cloak with a beggar.

Furthermore, Saint Margaret of Scotland and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, both affluent women, committed themselves to caring for the sick, exemplifying the transformative power of generosity. Notably, Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions demonstrated the ultimate act of generosity, sacrificing their lives as martyrs in Vietnam.

The Lord calls us to a path that prioritizes the needs of others above our own. It is a journey that does not depend on designer labels or material possessions but instead guides us nearer to His Sacred Heart, which is wounded for our sake. May our participation in this Mass—celebrating Our Lord’s sacrifice—inspire us to make a conscious commitment to live more generously in His service.

Fr Joseph Osho