and out right resistance by the “religious” people who have a clubhouse mentality. The church, however, is called by Christ to exemplify the lighthouse mentality by being proactive in getting the word out that, not only is help out there, but help is on the way!

The irony in the Gospel is that it is the widow whom Jesus chooses to illustrate this point: “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.” Again it is a widow in the first reading who gives the prophet Elijah something to eat and drink even though her country was in the midst of severe famine and food was scarce. Even though the possibility of her and her son running out of food was real, the widow heeded the words of the prophet who said to her, “Do not be afraid.”

Do not be afraid to let go of your selfish ambitions and accept the call to generous service. Do not be afraid to do your part in the mission and ministry of the church. Do not settle for giving to God only the leftovers of your time, talent, and treasure. Do not allow your ministries, your group or your parish to become a club of self-serving elites. Lay down at the feet of Christ all you have and all you are, and let him distribute this gift to others as he sees fit.