Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, we have a wonderful story of Tobit and Tobiah’s encounter with the angel Raphael. After Tobit, Sarah, and Tobiah have illustrated their holiness in multiple ways, and especially by giving generously to Raphael, the angel of God reveals himself to them, acknowledging their dedication to God. It isn’t simply their handing over money that is godly, but their whole lives, which are obviously dedicated to God. They are obviously giving people, who have given money before, as they are well-practiced in the ways of giving. Had their whole lives not been a gift to God, giving a bit of money would be much harder! In today’s gospel reading, Jesus holds up an unlikely example for his disciples: a poor widow. She is the one who, against all appearances, is blessed. She stands in sharp contrast to the pretentiousness of the scribes, who receive condemnation. No one would’ve even noticed the widow’s simple act had Jesus not called attention to it. She is blessed not because she has given money, but because she has given everything to God. She holds nothing back, not even a need for recognition. Her whole life rests in God’s hands. For this reason, she serves as an example to the disciples, one from whom they can learn. For a good student of Jesus trusts Him completely (the word “disciple” literally means “learner” or “student”). Without trust, nothing can be learned.
St. Norbert, whose feast we celebrate today, is an example of one who trusted deeply in God and made his whole life a gift to God. He began a religious order in 12th century France, which was renowned for combating heresy and revitalizing the faith of fellow Christians. He then became archbishop of Magdeburg (present day Germany), a challenging archdiocese that was half Christian and half pagan. These were not simple undertakings, but rather required much time, attention, and self-sacrifice.
What is one thing that we can’t give completely to God? The poor widow gave what she gave because she trusted God more than anything. Forget about saving for retirement! she didn’t even hoard the little bit she had, trusting God even more than simple food and drink. God may not be asking us to disregard any of these things, but do we trust Him enough to really hear what He is asking of us? Do we trust Him enough to go wherever He leads us, as a good disciple does? Or does our trust end at a certain point? Let us pray today for the gift of trust, that we may trust God enough to give our whole lives as a return gift to Him.
- Tim Gabrielli