YEAR B: HOMILY FOR THE 32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: THE LORD SHALL MULTIPLY YOUR GIFTS FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST, ST PAUL TAUGHT US THAT, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE (Acts 20, 35b).
BY: Fr. Cosmas Ukadike, C.M.
This is true of the blessed Father who did not spare his only son, but gave him up for us as a ransom. This shows that God can never be out done in generousity. For It was out of his generous heart that He gave his only begotten son to us, so that we may not perish but may have life eternal (Jn 3, 16). Giving can be a little bit difficult but when we give, it opens doors for more blessings, as in the case of the widow of Zarephath, in todays first reading.
Elijah the man of God assured her in this words: “do not be afraid… make me a little cake {from your very little flour}…and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth” (1Kg 18, 13-14).
The widow was really concerned about sharing the little she had to live on with Elijah; a complete stranger, even though he came to her very hungry but she appeared almost helpless to give out a little portion of her meal to him. (She was concentrating on herself and her son). But God wanted to teach here that; no matter how poor you think you are, there is someone somewhere that you are better off than. She had only a handful of flour; according to her, but Elijah had practically nothing to depend on. And because, she was courageous enough to give out a little even from the little she had, God surprised her with multiple portions, so much so that, she will not be in lack no matter how long the famine persists.
Giving can be paining; but this is the taste of true giving. We don’t just give, we must give with all our heart. The widow of Zeraphat gave virtually from nothingness and so was it with the poor widow in todays Gospel; “she gave out of her poverty; putting in everything she had to live on”(Mk 12, 44). Yes it is true that Jesus criticized the many rich people who put in large sums of money; not because they put in large sums or because they were rich; but because what they did was Done in hypocrisy.
They were not really motivated by the love of God in their giving and their act of generosity was without Devotion. Also Jesus berated them for living in plenty and yet offering only a little to God. The event of the widow of Zarephat and Elijah, is a clear indication that God gives back in abundance to those you give with a sincere heart. For he is a multiplying God. We pray for a kind and generous heart, and that in our giving; We may receive in abundance. Have a fruitful week.
Fr. Cosmas Ukadike, C.M.
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