November 10, 2024

Most religious calendars today observe something most people gloss over: Stewardship Sunday. Observed more in the Protestant denominations than the Catholic, it is an opportunity to individually commit our offering for the support of the church on an annual basis. 

As if to affirm this observance, Mother Church presents Scripture today that deal with 2 strong examples that assist us in the practice of Christian Stewardship. The 1st Book of Kings presents us with the widow of Zarephath, gathering up sticks to make a fire to bake her last load of bread for her and her son. It was a time of great famine in Israel, and the Prophet Elias asks her first for water, then for some bread to eat. When she explains that she is making what is going to be their last meal before a possible death by starvation, Elias still asks for some bread, encouraging the widow to trust in God with a promise that God will fulfill her needs. She is not disappointed. God cares for her until the famine ends and she, her son and the Prophet Elias were able to remain fed well, their needs met. 

Mark's Gospel presents us with another widow, one who gives 2 small coins for the upkeep of the temple. In the presence of "people of means" such a small amount would seem embarrassing, yet Jesus gives a wonderful perspective on this. "They gave from their surplus wealth, but this woman gave all she had to live on." Jesus praises the widow as an example of true generosity and trust that God would care for her if she was generous in her giving.

What about us? All of us are asked from time to time to share of our resources to care for God's people. We experience this each February when I ask your help for Catholic Charities. None of us are as destitute as the 2 widows we meet today at Mass, nevertheless, we are called to trust in God and share what we have in support of good causes and to help those in need. When we allow our chariy to let go of fear, everyone benefits: the poor receive the help they need and we discover that we still have enough even though our gift may be large or small according to our means. 

May I take this opportunity to express my thanks for your stewardship of Assumption Parish and pray that God, who is never outdone in generosity, blesses your homes and families with his grace and peace.