The readings for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time present powerful stories of trust, sacrifice, and the transformative nature of faith. In each passage, we encounter individuals who give from their poverty, embodying humility and dependence on God. Their actions challenge us to reflect on our own lives, on what it means to trust in God fully and offer what we have, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
In the first reading from the First Book of Kings, we meet the widow of Zarephath. This woman, facing the harsh realities of drought and famine, has only a handful of flour and a little oil left for herself and her son. When Elijah, a stranger to her, asks for food, she reveals her desperate situation, essentially saying that this meager meal may be their last. Yet, despite her fear and need, she listens to Elijah’s words of reassurance and trusts in God’s promise. Her act of obedience is a courageous leap of faith—she offers what little she has, and, as a result, God provides for her and her family abundantly. The jar of flour does not empty, nor does the jug of oil run dry. Through her faith, God performs a miracle, sustaining her beyond her initial scarcity.
This story resonates with the Gospel passage from Mark, where we see another widow, this time placing two small coins in the temple treasury. Jesus, observing the scene, points out to his disciples that this woman, unlike the wealthy who gave from their abundance, has contributed “her whole livelihood.” Though it seems insignificant by worldly standards, her gift is the most valuable, for it represents her complete dependence on God. She has not held anything back, demonstrating the depth of her trust. Jesus contrasts her sincerity with the hypocrisy of the scribes who seek honor and recognition, revealing that God values the intention and sacrifice behind the gift rather than its size.
These examples of the widows in both readings invite us to consider what we hold back from God. Perhaps we hesitate to trust in God’s provision fully, especially when we face uncertainty or hardship. It is often easier to give when we feel secure and stable. But these women show us that genuine faith requires letting go and surrendering to God even when it means risking our own security. Their sacrifices are profound because they reflect a complete reliance on God’s grace.
In the second reading from Hebrews, we are reminded that Christ himself embodies the ultimate sacrifice. Unlike the high priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered himself “once for all,” bearing our sins and redeeming us through his love. His sacrifice was total—he held nothing back. In his self-giving, Christ becomes our model, showing us what it means to give our lives to God completely.
The readings today thus call us to a life of deeper trust, surrender, and generosity. Just as the widows trusted that God would provide, we too are invited to trust in his love, even when we feel we have little to offer. It is not the size of our gift that matters, but the sincerity and humility with which we give. We are called to look beyond worldly values and recognize that true richness lies in our relationship with God and our willingness to place everything—our hopes, our fears, and our resources—in his hands.
In our daily lives, this might mean offering our time to those in need, sharing our resources with others, or giving of ourselves in ways that might go unnoticed. It may also mean surrendering our anxieties, trusting that God will provide even in uncertain times. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: What are we willing to place in God’s hands today? Are we prepared to trust as these widows did, with faith that does not hold back?
May we be inspired by their faith and courage to give generously from our hearts, remembering that God sees the love and sacrifice behind each offering, no matter how small.