The behavior of the widow in Mark 12, 38-44 draws us toward her, either in admiration or out of our usual concern for the “underdog,” so to speak. Her behavior is, in fact, admirable, and we are naturally drawn toward the generosity she expresses so humbly. However, the Gospel text is not only about her. She just happens to pass by while Jesus is speaking to the Scribes and He uses her example to challenge the jewish leaders and His disciples (including us).
It is hard to tell which group, the Pharisees or the Scribes, was more trouble for Jesus, but we can suspect it was the Scribes. They were His most fierce opponents. They were among the most eminent in that society. They wore great and fine long robes. People were expected to stand respectfully when they passed by in public. They had reserved, comfortable, and prominent seat in the synagogue directly in front of the sacred scrolls. And they used their privileges to exploit others and they held that they were entitled to special favors. When Jesus calls His disciples together, it is for the purpose of teaching them as much about the poor example of the Scribes as it is about the good example of the poor widow.
Here in our own day, do we need to be warned against feeling privileged and thinking that we are entitled? Do we need to be reminded that the Church flourishes most and best when those overlooked, forgotten, ignored, and disregarded (because of their state in life) find it to be their home?
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Jesus gathers us together Sunday after Sunday and He speaks very clearly about the danger of thinking we are special and the consequent behavior that follows. He speaks to us about what ought to motivate our generosity, and about how our generosity reveals our trust in God. Are we listening to Him? Will we respond by imitating the generosity of God, He who makes no distinctions about “who deserves what” when it comes to love and mercy?
