Swallowing Widow’s Property

Wealthy beyond the imagination of people in Jesus’ time, ordinary Australians squirm a little when we hear today’s gospel (Mark 12:38-44). Jesus always has a special place for “the poor”; indeed they are central to his Good News. He has a very good sense of who holds overwhelming power in his society and forever he is reminding the haves of their obligation to the have nots.

Jesus’ illustration upholds the nobility and dignity of the have nots. This particular have not, this desperately poor widow, has a closer relationship with her creator than do the haves, the crooks and cons who actually swindle her out of what little she has. Wallowing in the wealth that most Australians enjoy, relative to the rest of humanity over time and place, of course we squirm! “Are we not entitled to earth’s fruits which have fallen to us either by good luck or good management?”
That’s a qualified “yes”. As soon as we start to defensively protest, “I earned this with the sweat of my brow, or I inherited this, no-one takes what is mine etc.”, we begin to resemble those long-robed scribes in the seats of honour. Uh Oh! Creations abundance is for all humanity. Our task is to ensure the distribution is loving and equitable. So what is the answer? Well, firstly we need to review whether we are swallowing the property of widows? Are we penny-pinching landlords, overcharging business operators or ungenerous workers, cheaters of taxation or voters against the poor? No! Good! Earth has furnished us with abundance and we are entitled to our share, so how do we play our part making distribution equitable? One response, as Christmas approaches, is to seek out the poor in Australia and around the world and find ways to generously give until it hurts. Then we might know a little of the widow’s generosity and her closeness to God. (hint: Plan International/ Caritas/Care Australia/Catholic Mission/ Vinnies).

Deacon Mark Kelly