Poverty

Today’s readings present us with two women in the most dire poverty with two very different approaches.

The woman in the first reading (1 Kings 17:10-16) is trapped in despair and sees only death in her future.

The woman in the Gospel (Mark 12:38-44) knows her situation, but remains faithful and generous.

In the case of the first woman, the prophet Elijah invites her to an act of generosity that ultimately saves her life and the life of her child.

Rich or poor, we always need to be prudent, especially when we have responsibility for family members, but we also need to be generous and faithful , no matter what.