In today’s gospel, a poor widow is presented as a model for Christian discipleship by Mark, the evangelist to the infant church, to which he wrote his gospel.
A few Sundays ago, we saw Mark narrating about a young man who showed keen interest in attaining eternal life (Mk 10). When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, a young man interrupted His journey and asked Him questions about salvation. Then we heard that at the end of this encounter with Jesus, that man went home very sad. Mark gives us the reason for his sadness – “for he had many possessions” (Mk 10:22). The rich man showed great interest in becoming Jesus’ disciple, but utterly failed to become one due to his ‘many attachments’.
Now Jesus is in Jerusalem. In the context of offering Himself on the cross, He provides a perfect example of true discipleship. He points to a poor widow who was ready to give up “every thing she had”. She has fulfilled all the necessary conditions to become a disciple. Anybody can become the disciple of Christ, if they use whatever they have for the good of humanity.
For Jesus, human life is very important. God created man and woman in His ‘own image and likeness’ and therefore humanity is the crowned creation of God. A true disciple of Christ puts all his/her resources for the wellbeing and redemption of all. The poor woman, in her utter poverty, gave all she had without counting the cost.
Jesus, by condemning the attitudes of the scribes, dissuades certain behaviors in his disciples. He rejects vanity, ambitions and domination. These types of attitudes create division in a society. Scribes wore long robes to distinguish themselves as someone different – a superior class of people. They demanded respect and honour from people. On the other hand, the poor widow became a counter witness through her detachment.
For Jesus, we are all equal in the eyes of God. Jesus desired unity among people and He prayed for it. True disciples of Christ will always seek oneness among all. They will imitate their master by offering themselves for the good of one another. Jesus’ way to Golgotha is a road map for all who want to become disciples of Christ.
– Fr. Ranjan D’Sa OCD