Breaking the Word

32^nd Sunday in Ord. Time – 7^th November 2021 — Gospel: Mk 12,38-44

In Favour of the Marginalized

After a positive encounter with one scribe (12,28-34), Jesus proceeds to discuss the behavioural practices of some scribes he had encountered (2,6.16; 3,22; 7,1.5; 11,18,27-28). His outburst against the scribal class offered a harsh critique of their pride (12,38-39). But the critique became more serious, as Jesus questioned their economic policies, devouring widows’ houses. Mark used the term “widow” only in these stories (12,40.42-43). Apparently, Mark wanted his readers to see a connection between this activity and the “poor widow’s” offering. Jesus’ observation about the “poor widow”, who sacrificed her only economic resources she had left with, was a natural progression to the abuse of widows’ homes.

Jesus’ public critique juxtaposed the ‘whole’ scribal class with a ‘single’ widow. She became an example in Jesus’ teaching: a positive object lesson and someone to be observed. She was unnamed and Jesus didn’t address her directly. In the context of earlier conflicts between Jesus and the temple leaders, this widow’s story was more likely a condemnation, rather than a commendation. The story highlighted the ways the “treasury” (of the scribes) consumed the means of the poor. Jesus did not criticize the Temple authorities directly here; rather he challenged the leadership to practice more just ways. Furthermore, his observation about this widow fit the pattern of several prophets who preceded Jesus favouring vulnerable people, like widows, orphans and immigrants (Jer 7,6; Mal 3,5).

31^st Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 06^th November 2021 — Gospel: Lk 16,9-15

Faithfulness Matters

Jesus exhorts his disciples to be trustworthy and honest in small things, referring to earthly riches (16,10). “Being trustworthy in small things” is a maxim that holds true universally. Great vice or virtue usually begins with small actions. Fidelity is required in small matters as well as in those of more importance. Upon this rule, God will decide the soul’s future.  If a man shows fidelity in his administration of unimportant goods of the earth, it is clear that he can be entrusted with far more important things of the world to come. The corrupt person starts bending a few rules. His conscience grows dull and his wrongdoings become larger and larger. The inverse is also true. Small acts of honesty and kindness sufficiently repeated can gradually make a corrupt person virtuous. Therefore, we must persistently work on doing the right thing in small matters. Based on the parable of the unjust manager, the manager’s conduct was held to be wise in a different way and was advised to imitate even; but here Jesus teaches distinctly that it is fidelity and honesty, not unfaithfulness, which will be eventually rewarded.