Tuesday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading              1 Kings 17: 7-16

Psalm                             Ps. 4:2-5, 7-8

Gospel                       Matthew 5:13-16

“Just give it out”

We continue our reflection on the acts of Elijah in 1 Kings and Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5. We are presented with an encounter between the widow of Zarephath and Elijah. Zarephath is 15km south of Sidon. These are areas near the Mediterranean and hence, water would naturally not be an issue. It is expected to be in abundance. There was no real issue when Elijah asked for water. The problem lies in the Widow's free-offering of her 'last'. 

We know of widows to be part of the vulnerable in society. In fact, her son who is probably young may be pictured as being in this vulnerable group. The issue becomes serious when we consider vulnerables who are poor and Elijah wants to feed from their 'pot'.  This is naturally unfair as we would perceive. 

From this narrative we have basic lessons of life being dramatized on the stages of Zarephath. These lessons are drawn from the side of the widow. We have to learn to give without counting the cost. Water was not an issue. It was that which was in abundance. Very affordable, we may term it. The Lord demands of you that which is very difficult to let go. That which is so dear, precious, in whose absence life cannot move on smoothly. The Lord asks you to give your whole self and nothing less. A heart of generosity and hospitality is required. At length, the Lord demands the vices too. He desires to fill the depth of our hearts with virtue. Just give it out. You will gain. 

Secondly, we have to learn to share our vulnerability. Make the best out of your weakness. Radiate strength in your brokenness. Be an instrument of life. Like the widow, be ready always and everywhere to save 'an Elijah'. 

The Gospel, I believe, coils around this theme with Jesus' usage of salt and light to describe the a disciple. Salt in the sense to give taste and light to dispel darkness and expose what is hidden in darkness. With the mention of light, reference is made to Genesis 1:3, “let there be light”. In our political, economic, education, marriage and family, we have to let the light of Christ shine. We have to draw the difference between the good and bad as in creation. In all spheres, the Kingdom message must still be proclaimed in Charity. 

We ask the Lord to teach us to serve the needs of others; to help to give and not to count the cost; to unite us for we are born as his children; to defeat our Babel, our differences with his fires of Pentecost. 

Amen

Pax et Bonum