On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
32nd Sunday, Year B
What We Celebrate
This week’s gospel is the well-known account of the “Widow’s Mite.” It is one of the misunderstood and misused passages of Scripture. So often preachers use this passage to point out that the widow gave all that she had and that is the kinds of sacrificial giving appropriate to tithing and capital campaigns. But, is it? Behind this account is a system of leverite marriage, the institution of the Temple, support of the temple officials, and more. Is it also a story of an unjust system?
As always, a lot going on in the gospel reading. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and take a moment on the back porch with the Word of God.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary
The Widow’s Mite (Le denier de la veuve) | James Tissot | Brooklyn Museum | PD-US
The Widow’s Mite
Context is everything. This gospel also includes Jesus’ comments about the Temple officials who “devour the houses of widows” and the next verse past the story, Jesus says: “As he was making his way out of the temple area one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, teacher, what stones and what buildings!” (Mark 13:1) Is Jesus talking only about sacrificial giving? Or is he condemning the then current Temple system that should have been supporting the widow? Take a moment to watch the video.