Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
† Sunday 12th November 2000

Cycle of Prayer: All Victims of War : Remembrance Day

Theme: The poor inherit the Kingdom of God

A reading from the First Book of Kings 17: 10 - 16
The Prophet Elijah sets out to reclaim the People of Israel to the worship of the true God. He goes to a town known to be the hotbed of the followers of the pagan God Baal. Even in such a place, the true God Yahweh will reach out to show his power in time of drought and famine throughout this land. The poor widow, about to make her last meal, responds to the prophet’s request to share her meal, and her faith in the prophet is rewarded, “The jar of meal was not spent, nor the jug of oil emptied, just as the Lord had foretold though Elijah.”

A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews 9 : 24 - 28
The comparison by the writer of this letter, between the imperfect priesthood of the Old Testament, and the perfect Priesthood of Christ, continues this week. Where the former priesthood had to repeat their sacrifices and prayers for atonement, time and again, year after year, with Christ as High Priest it is different. “So, Christ, offers himself only once to take the faults of many on himself, and when he comes a second time...it will be to reward with salvation those who are waiting for him.”

The Gospel according to Mark 12 : 38 - 42
Following on the first reading, another poor widow, features in the gospel narrative. She too gives all she has, almost unnoticed in the crowd. Jesus draws attention to her action as she responds to the demands of her faith. In sharp contrast Jesus warns his disciples to be wary of certain, “scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats...and the places of honour at banquets.” These wealthy and powerful people are the same “who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers.” The widow makes a real sacrifice to support the Temple, while so often the rich simply give out of their surplus. Happy are the poor for they shall inherit the Kingdom of God.

© Peter Harrison 2000