In today’s Gospel Jesus condemns those who “swallow the poverty of widows.” The widow in the society of His time was an outcast. She had no inheritance rights from her husband’s property. Her eldest son would inherit and if there was no son she might be married to a brother of her deceased husband. If the brother refused, or if there was none, she would return to her father’s house or go begging. Widows, like other women, had no role in public or religious life. Jesus is sitting opposite the area in the Temple where financial gifts can be donated. Amidst all the ostentatious giving by affluent people He notices a poor widow humbly offering two coins. They are smallest coins in use, and she seems unaware that her tiny contribution is even noticed. But Jesus’ admiration for the widow is coupled with strong reservations about what is happening. Religious legislation was forcing widows to lose their homes, and even the poorest in society were expected to contribute financially to the Temple. This is an opportunity for Jesus to draw attention to the lowliest people in His society. But it is also a chance to lament the injustice that creates the conditions for this scene. It is a warning about wealth: that wealth and greed blind those who are affluent to the needs of vulnerable people, and that amazing wealth for the elite, and even for the religious establishment, means poverty for widows and those at the margins of society.
The injustice that afflicted the widows in scripture continue to affect those who are poor and vulnerable in our day. And we particularly remember the millions of widows globally who are victims of war and conflict, which have impoverished them. The Church has an obligation to work for peace and justice in the world, and constantly to reviews its economic practice to ensure that vulnerable groups are supported. The Church is called to have compassion for those on the margins of society with no wealth or influence. What about individual Christians? All of us are challenged not to let financial self-interest dominate our lives. The widow in the Gospel was able to let go of her security by giving her last coins – a small deed of love. We are called to be selfless with the resources at our disposal, particularly supporting poor and vulnerable people. Today’s readings encourage us to rely on God for all our needs, and thank God each day for the many blessings received and the small deeds of love that we experience.