THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B
1Kg 17:10-16; Ps 146
Heb. 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44
BEWARE OF THE SCRIBES
For some weeks now we have been following Jesus on the way to Jerusalem. Our gospel today places Jesus in Jerusalem, meaning that he has arrived at his destination. This time is also the final stages of his public teaching ministry. He sits in the temple and draws the attention of his disciples to what they saw there, and uses it to teach them.
The gospel of today can be divided into two parts, which are in contrast. The first part talks about the hypocrisy and the subterfuge of the scribes and the second, about the faith and generosity of the widow.
The scribes are described as people who show off with their appearance by wearing long robes, they expect to be greeted and acknowledged, and desire to take the seats of honour in the synagogue and at banquets.
The scribes were part of the religious leaders at the time and some of them were Pharisees. But unlike the Sadducees who were the rule worthy class, the scribes depended on the gifts of worshipers and benefactors to survive. Reading from the comments of Jesus, we understand that some of them took advantage of their respect in the community to exploit the poor and abuse the generosity of the people. They pretend to be pious, by long robes and lengthy prayers, for the sole intention of selfishness and greed. It was the reason why Jesus condemns them.
Sadly, we see “men of God” and religious leaders parading their supposed riches and sometimes even competing among themselves as to who has more wealth. This is pathetic, sad, and grievous. Do we not hear most of them claim today to be more powerful and stronger than others? Then, as now, Jesus condemns all these and warns of severe punishment. But the truth is that, no one can be more powerful than another with the power of God and his blessings. It’s all grace – unmerited favour through Jesus, and our response to this should be humility.
Jesus rightly stated the source of their wealth, “They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers” and warned that they will be severely punished. The widows here represent all those who religious leaders exploit for their personal selfish and material gains.
The scribes also represent all those who use their expertise to exploit the poor rather than help to alleviate their burden. Those who use their influence for their selfish and greedy ends, also fall in this category. All those who use others just for their own prestige and advancement. Any leader who seeks out to enrich himself at the expense of his people is the scribe in today’s reading, and Jesus says a severe judgement awaits you.
On the other hand, he acknowledges the contribution and generosity of the widow. In effect, all those who are still poor but are able to give, are appreciated by the Lord. However, the point is not the mere generosity of the widow but the fact that she gave all she had.
It is the quality of her giving that Jesus celebrates here and not the quantity. The rich in the temple were also giving, but Jesus pointed out the widow for emulation. The rich were also giving but the two coins of the widow was much more. Does this mean the rich can never give enough?
The quality of the widow’s giving is because she gave it all. She represents all the poor who continue to support the church and the work of evangelization by giving all they have. This does not mean the rich can never give enough but quantity has value only when quality is assured – only when we give truly from our heart even when it puts us rather in need. This sacrifice is what is appreciated. Riches therefore do not change a man, it only reveals who he truly is.
The one who can give all is the true disciple who responds to the call of Jesus, “come follow me”. He is the one who is ready to offer it all for the benefit of others like Jesus did.
We pray for our leaders, that they do not fall for the temptation of greed, which leads them to exploit the poor. We pray that all leaders, political and spiritual, will work for the enhancement of all people for their spiritual and physical needs. We pray for the grace of giving so we can continue to support the work of God and the salvation of all people.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
