Scripture Study for

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Understanding the Word

By Br. John R. Barker, OFM

At God’s order, the prophet Elijah has called down a drought, and  now is sent to a widow in Zarephath whom God has commanded to  feed the prophet (1 Kings 17:1–9). Clearly the widow is not aware  of this command, and when asked for some bread, she responds that  she has none, and in any case, she expects to die soon for lack of  food. But Elijah’s assurance that she will have enough flour and oil  to feed him, as well has herself and her son, until the drought ends  is a sign of God’s care for those who depend on the Lord in times  of trouble. 

The author of Hebrews has been explaining how Jesus Christ is the  perfect and eternal High Priest. Christ’s priesthood is superior to the  former priesthood on several counts. Whereas that older priesthood  was conducted in tabernacles and temples made by human hands,  Christ’s priesthood is exercised in the original, heavenly sanctuary in  the unmediated presence of God. Whereas previous priests offered  the blood of animals, Christ offered his own blood, and because of  this he only had to do it one time. Whereas the earlier priests could  only offer sacrifice to atone for sin, Christ not only takes away sin  by his sacrifice, but is able “to bring salvation to those who eagerly  await him,” something no previous priest could do. 

The Old Testament is full of admonitions to treat widows fairly  and not take advantage of their economic vulnerability. Jesus’  reference to the scribes “devouring” the houses of widows, while  reminiscent of prophetic denunciations of the rich and powerful,  is difficult to understand. Some have suggested that scribes may  have acted as guardians for widows without male relatives, but the  reference to prayers suggests a religious context, and it may be that  they were implicated in the same accusation Jesus makes earlier in the  Gospel about qorban (animal sacrifice, 7:8–13). In any case, Jesus’  next remarks about the widow’s contribution serve to highlight the  contrast between the rapaciousness of the scribes (and others who  are privileged) with the generosity of the poor widow. 

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