Scripture Study for
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 17:10–16 / Psalm 146:1b / Hebrews 9:24–28 / Mark 12:38–44 [41–44] I
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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.