Giving is the Way of Salvation

 

Nothing one can give on this earth that is greater than gift of oneself.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, 10th November, 2024

Texts: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146:6c-10ab; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

The message, today, is this: Giving is the way of salvation. Jesus Christ is the pioneer and author of the way. The fact that Jesus Christ is the pioneer and author of the way is clear in today’s second reading. We read, “But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Jesus Christ offered His own very life for our salvation. He saved us by giving Himself to God the Father on our behalf.

There is no charity beyond offering of oneself for salvation of others. In the words of Jesus Christ: No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). Nothing one can give on this earth that is greater than gift of oneself. 

Jesus Christ gives beyond measure

What makes Christ’s giving of Himself unique is that the recipient are those who do not deserve His friendship, let alone His gift. Hence, St. Paul says, “Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:7). Jesus Christ gives the greatest gift to those who do not deserve it for their salvation.

Jesus Christ leads us in the way of salvation in such a way that He is the beginning and the end. No one can give greater gift than He has given or in more wonderful manner than His. He started the way as the way to eternal life and ended it by giving beyond measure. This confirms His words: “He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure” (John 3:34). St. Paul says, “and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1Tim. 1:14).

The widow saved her life by giving

Today’s first reading corroborates the truth that giving is the way of salvation. The widow, with her children, was preparing her last meal before death but her giving saved her life. We read, “And Elijah said to her, ‘Fear not; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and after ward make for yourself and your son. ...’ And she went and did as Elijah said; and she, and he, and her household ate for many days.”

We must take note that the giving that leads to salvation is that of charity. It is that which we do for God’s sake; it is the giving for the glory of God, not for our own sake or glory. The widow of Zarephath gave for the sake of God’s word. She trusted in the word of God prophet Elijah spoke to her. Her salvation anchors on her faith in God’s word: “The jar of meal was not spent, neither did the pitcher of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD which he spoke by Elijah.”

The fulfiling of the greatest commandments

The widow,  in today’s gospel reading, gave to God. She shows that God deserves our all. She teaches us how to fulfil the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Mtt. 22:37). The widow of Zarephath teaches us the second of the commandments: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mtt. 22:39). She shared her last meal with Elijah in moment of dire need for both.

The giving that is for human glory does not lead to salvation. Hence, Jesus condemns the seeking of human glory in the scribes. He says, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretence make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

We must not falter in act of giving

Giving must become part of us who seek salvation. It is the way that Jesus Christ has made for us to follow to eternal life. We truly follow Jesus Christ as we imbibe the act of giving. Whoever refuses to give refuses to follow Jesus Christ. Such person has also rejected the way of salvation and eternal life. Therefore, we must not falter in act of giving.

Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. May we love You with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; and our neighbours as ourselves for your sake. Amen

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke