Friends, today we are celebrating the thirty-second Sunday of ordinary time year B. Our mother church encourages us to learn and appreciate the virtues of generosity and hospitality. As Christ generously offered himself for our salvation, she reminds us that, we too, must be generous to others. Brothers and sisters, the readings of this Sunday remind us of the importance of faith, trust, and true sacrifice. Lord, help us to trust in You like the widow did. Guide us to give from our hearts without seeking honor or praise. May our faith be sincere and our sacrifices real.
Friends, we see a widow who is struggling to survive. She has very little, but when Elijah asks her for food, she trusts God’s promise and shares what she has. Her trust leads to a miracle, as her jar of flour and jug of oil do not run out. This widow’s faith is an example for us today. Brothers and sisters, even when we have little, we can trust in God’s promises. Her story shows us that God provides for those who put their faith and trust in Him.
Friends, fear of the future is one of the greatest enemies of generosity and prosperity. Elijah knew how afraid the widow was and indeed, her fear was genuine. That is, given the circumstances beyond her control at that moment. So, Elijah started by addressing and calming her anxiety; “Do not be afraid” then, he prophesied to her; “for the Lord, the God of Israel, says; the jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry…” brothers and sisters, this prophecy was fulfilled in the widow’s life, and she lacked nothing afterward. Her faith and trust in God’s word, and of course, in God Divine Providence never failed her. Instead, her situation changed and improved beyond her expectations. Her life was transformed from penury to plenty, from misery to luxury, and from poverty to prosperity. Brothers and sisters, in our lives, we often face pressures to rely on ourselves or on material things. The widow reminds us to trust in God instead. By doing so, we open ourselves to God’s blessings, just as she did.
Friends, the second reading of today also highlights Christ’s generosity. With trust in His Father, He generously offered himself as “a holy and living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). What he offered or lost generously through his suffering and death, He victoriously gained through his Resurrection and Ascension. This was God’s supreme reward to Christ for His supreme generosity.
Friends, the gospel of today is similar to the first reading and the second of this Sunday. Trusting in God Divine Providence for her survival, the widow offered everything she had. She was generous not because she wanted people to see or honor her no, but knew and trusted the God she served. By placing her entire trust and future in God’s hands, she conquered her fear of the future and the instinct of self-preservation. Unlike the scribes, the widow does not gain any honor from her actions. No one notices her but Jesus. Her faith and trust are pure, and her sacrifice shows her deep love for God.
Friends, there are many lessons for us in today’s readings. First, all the figures in our readings were generous and they all trusted in God Divine Providence. They remind us of these simple principles of generosity and prosperity; “givers, never lack” and “blessed is the hand that gives, than a hand that receives.” Brothers and sisters, in life, moments of scarcity are moments of tests. They are moments to trust in God Divine Providence. They are moments of great blessings. Tobit advises us that; “it is better to give alms than to treasure up gold…. those who perform acts of charity and righteousness will have the fullness of life” (12, 8-9). God knows our needs and how to meet them. All we need to do is to trust in His Divine Providence. So, let us ask Christ to grant us a very generous heart, so that we can sow with joy because; “God loves a cheerful and generous giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Friends, today the widow’s example challenges us. Are we willing to give all we have to God? Her story encourages us to trust in God’s care, even when it is difficult. True sacrifice is giving without expecting anything in return. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Week to You
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By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
