PAPAL HOMILIES - 32nd Sunday of Year B

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32nd Sunday of Year B

November 10, 2024

Holy See

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HOLY SEE

HOMILIES

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SOURCE: Vatican News – English

Sunday’s
Theme

32nd Sunday of Year B

YEAR A
YEAR B
YEAR C

Generosity

An attitude of available and trusting generosity is the common denominator of this Sunday’s texts. Generosity reflects the attitude of the widow in Zarephath, who does not hesitate to give Elijah her last jar of meal although it is all she has left (first reading).

It also reflects the attitude of the widow watched only by Jesus, who deposits everything she has in the treasury of the Temple, though it is the equivalent of a mere penny (Gospel).

It especially reflects Jesus’ attitude who gives himself until his death, once and for all, as the victim of ransom and salvation (second reading).

✨MEDITATION
STARTERS

How do the stories of the widows in Zarephath and in the Temple illustrate an attitude of trusting generosity?

What are the similarities and differences between the two widows’ acts of generosity?

In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross exemplify the ultimate act of generosity?

What can we learn about the nature of generosity from the contrast between the widows’ small offerings and Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice?

Dicastery for
the Clergy

Preachers can use the meditation starters for personal reflection and homily preparation, while small groups can employ them as discussion catalysts.

Doctrinal
Messages

Doctrinal Messages

32nd Sunday of Year B

Generosity bears the face of a woman

TEXT
OUTLINE

In today’s liturgy, women play a predominant and positive role. In addition to this, they are widows, with all the precarious connotations of this term in the remote times of the prophet Elijah (9th century BC) and Jesus. Widowhood was frequently associated with poverty, and even begging. However, the liturgy does not present these two good widows as an example of poverty (this is implicit), but as an example of generosity. In the three years of drought that fell upon the whole region, the widow of Zarephath was left with a bit of flour and a few drops of oil to make a loaf of bread for her and her son to eat, and then to die. In this situation, which is already humanly dramatic, Elijah asks her for something inexplicable, heroic: he asks her to give him the bread that she was about to put in the oven to bake. The woman agrees. There is a sort of divine instinct that makes her respond in such a way. It is the gift of generosity that God bestows upon those who have little or nothing at all. She does not think about her fate; she only thinks about obeying God’s voice who speaks to her through the prophet Elijah.

I. Introduction

The prominence and positive representation of women in today's liturgy
Widowhood in biblical times and its associations with poverty

II. The Focus on Generosity

The portrayal of the two widows as examples of generosity
The implicit presence of poverty in their stories

III. The Story of the Widow of Zarephath

The context of the three-year drought and the widow's dire situation
Elijah's request for her last bit of food

IV. The Widow's Response

The divine instinct guiding her actions
Her willingness to give despite her own needs

V. The Gift of Generosity

The widow's obedience to God's voice through Elijah
God's bestowal of generosity upon those with little

✨MEDITATION
STARTERS

What role do women play in today's liturgy, and how does their widowhood contribute to this role?

How were widows often associated with poverty in ancient times, and how does this relate to the stories of the two widows?

What quality do the two widows exemplify in the liturgy, and how does this contrast with their circumstances?

What divine instinct influenced the widow's response to Elijah's request, and how did it manifest?

How does the widow's decision to give away her last bit of food exemplify generosity?

The widow in the Temple is an exceptional woman

TEXT
OUTLINE

The widow in the Temple is an exceptional woman. Since she was poor, she was in no way obliged to give alms for the worship of the Temple or for the social and charitable activities that the priests carried out in God’s name. If she had had an obligation, her action would have been generous, because she gave the little she had, all that she had to live on. But her gesture shines forth with a new and brilliant light, precisely because she was beyond obligation and placed herself at the level of loving generosity towards God. The contrast between the attitude of the widow and that of the rich who gave a lot, but only gave the leftovers of their wealth, show her true nobility and places greater emphasis on her generosity.

I. Introduction

Introducing the widow in the Temple
Her exceptional character and actions

II. The Widow's Poverty

Her exemption from obligatory almsgiving
The generosity of giving her last resources

III. Beyond Obligation

The widow's choice to give out of love for God
Her gesture as an act of loving generosity

IV. Contrast with the Rich

Comparing the widow's giving to the rich
Emphasizing her nobility through contrast

V. The Significance of Her Generosity

The widow's example for all believers
The value of giving from the heart, not just wealth

✨MEDITATION
STARTERS

Why was the widow not obliged to give alms for the worship of the Temple or for the social and charitable activities conducted by the priests?

How does her poverty enhance the perception of her generosity when she donates all she has?

What distinguishes her gesture from a mere act of obligation and elevates it to a level of loving generosity towards God?

In what ways does this story challenge conventional understandings of charitable giving?

The source of all generosity

TEXT
OUTLINE

The generosity of the two widows emanates from the very generosity of God, which is manifested to us in Jesus Christ. This is the generosity of Jesus who offers himself once and for all in a sacrifice of redemption for all men: nothing or no one is excluded from this generosity. This is the generosity of Jesus who, as High Priest, enters the heavens gloriously to continue his priestly work for our benefit: in heaven he continues his generous and eternal intercession for men. Jesus who will come at the end of time, bearing no relation to sin, that is, as the Savior who has destroyed sin and has established the new life. In his earthly existence, Jesus was very aware that he had not come into the world to condemn, but to save. In his Parousia or second coming, he has the same awareness of being the Savior, above all other attributes.

I. Introduction

The connection between the widows' generosity and God's generosity
Jesus Christ as the manifestation of God's generosity

II. Jesus' Generosity in Sacrifice

His self-offering for the redemption of all humanity
The inclusivity and universality of his sacrifice

III. Jesus' Generosity as High Priest

His glorious ascension and continued intercession
The eternal nature of his generosity

IV. Jesus' Generosity in His Second Coming

His return at the end of time
His role as the Savior who destroys sin and establishes new life

V. Jesus' Awareness of His Mission

His consistent focus on salvation, not condemnation
His purpose during his earthly existence

✨MEDITATION
STARTERS

How does the generosity of the two widows in the readings reflect the generosity of God?

What is the significance of Jesus' sacrifice as a manifestation of God's generosity?

How does Jesus' role as High Priest and intercessor exemplify his ongoing generosity?

How is Jesus' awareness of his purpose as Savior connected to his generosity?

What can we learn about the nature of divine generosity from Jesus' actions and teachings?

Dicastery for
the Clergy

Preachers can use the meditation starters for personal reflection and homily preparation, while small groups can employ them as discussion catalysts.

Pastoral
Suggestions

Pastoral Suggestions

32nd Sunday of Year B

Generosity of the heart

TEXT
OUTLINE

We human beings are often filled with admiration when we hear that someone has made a gesture of great generosity. For instance, someone who gives two million dollars out of his own pocket for a hospital, or donates a hundred million to create a foundation for research. This is very good, and it would be wonderful if there were many such generous men willing to empty their pockets to provide an education or a hospital for other human beings. But without diminishing the importance of quantity, I have to stress that according to the Gospel, attitude is more important. In other words, it is important whether such money was donated out of real love and in an act of service, and even more significantly, if the person who donated such money deprived himself of it. For instance, whether he decided to give up going on a cruise on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, or whether he decided not to buy his wife a precious diamond worth several million dollars, or perhaps, whether he decided to live his everyday life with greater austerity. When generosity does not only affect one’s wallet, but also one’s heart, then it is more authentic. This is why those who give little but give all that they can give, and give it with all of their heart, are generous people. In the eyes of God, their generosity is the same as that of the rich man who has parted with millions of dollars. Christian, if you have a lot, give a lot; if you have little, give some of the little you have. But whatever the case, give with all of your heart’s sincerity and generosity. This is what matters most in God’s eyes. Hopefully, it is what matters most in your eyes too.

I. Introduction

Admiration for grand acts of generosity
The importance of both quantity and attitude in giving

II. The Significance of Attitude

The role of love and service in generous acts
Self-deprivation as a marker of authentic generosity

III. Examples of Authentic Generosity

Choosing to forgo luxuries for the sake of giving
Living with austerity to give more to others

IV. Generosity in the Eyes of God

God's perspective on generosity
The value of sincerity and heart in giving

V. A Call to Action for Christians

Giving according to one's means
Emphasizing sincerity and heart in all acts of generosity

✨MEDITATION
STARTERS

How does the Gospel prioritize attitude over quantity in acts of generosity?

What factors contribute to making a donation more meaningful and authentic?

How can personal sacrifice elevate the significance of charitable giving?

In what ways does genuine generosity affect both the giver's heart and their material possessions?

How does God view the generosity of those who give little but give all they can, compared to the rich who donate large sums?

What advice does the passage offer to Christians regarding how much they should give and the manner in which they should give?

How can individuals apply the principles of sincerity and generosity to their daily lives?

Why is it important to consider the motivation behind charitable acts, in addition to the monetary value?

How generous?

TEXT
OUTLINE

There are no mathematical laws in this matter. The basic principle is clear: give, be generous. What should one give, how far should one’s generosity stretch are questions that do not have a single answer. It is the circumstances that dictate the degree of our generosity: for example, an earthquake or a hurricane, a destructive flood, a tribal war, an epidemic, etc. may require greater sacrifice on our part. God’s Spirit will indicate to each one, within his inner conscience, the ways and degree to which generous actions should be undertaken, actions born of love, born from the heart. The important thing is for no one to say, "That’s enough." It is not possible to put limits to the Spirit of God. It is a good idea for us to ask ourselves, "Am I giving everything that I can? Am I giving everything that the Holy Spirit is asking me to give? Am I giving as I should: disinterestedly, generously, without seeking anything in return?" We contemporary Christians must be like the Christians of Macedonia, whom Paul talks about in his second letter to the Corinthians, "throughout continuous ordeals of hardship, their unfailing joy and their intense poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. I can testify that it was of their own accord that they made their gift, which was not merely as far as their resources would allow, but well beyond their resources; and they had kept imploring us most insistently for the privilege of a share in the fellowship of service to God’s holy people" (8:2-4). Let us consider generosity as a grace of God, and let us ask for it with a simple heart, but also with insistence. God will not deny it to those who really ask him for it. There are many people in need who would benefit from our generosity.

I. Introduction

The subjectivity of generosity
Circumstances dictating the extent of generosity

II. Seeking Guidance from God's Spirit

The role of individual conscience and divine guidance
Questions for self-reflection on personal generosity

III. Learning from the Christians of Macedonia

Their example of generosity amidst hardship
Giving beyond their resources and with joy

IV. Generosity as a Grace of God

Considering generosity as a divine gift
Asking for generosity with sincerity and persistence

V. Addressing the Needs of Others

Encouragement to embrace the calling to be generous
The impact of our generosity on those in need

✨MEDITATION
STARTERS

How can circumstances influence the degree of generosity that individuals should demonstrate?

What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding our decisions regarding giving?

How can Christians ensure that their acts of generosity are selfless and disinterested?

What can we learn from the example of the Macedonian Christians in terms of giving beyond one's resources?

Why is it important to see generosity as a grace from God, and how can we seek it with a sincere heart?

How can Christians ensure that their generosity reaches those who are truly in need?

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Pope Francis

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Pope Francis
Homilies

QUOTES

Pope Francis: “The Gospel warns us against the temptation of seeking honor and prestige, reminding us that true greatness lies in humility, service, and compassion.” (November 10, 2013)

The Pope addresses the first passage’s critique of the scribes’ pursuit of status, emphasizing the Christian call to humility and selfless service.

Pope Francis: “The poor widow’s offering reveals the beauty of a generous heart, inviting us to give of ourselves without counting the cost, even in the midst of our own limitations and struggles.” (November 9, 2014)

This quote highlights the second passage’s message about the value of selfless giving, even when it may seem insignificant in the eyes of the world.

Pope Francis: “Jesus praises the poor widow’s contribution because it expresses the authenticity and depth of her faith, which trusts in God’s providence even in her poverty.” (November 8, 2015)

The Pope connects the second passage’s story of the widow’s offering to the importance of faith and trust in God’s care, particularly in times of need.

Pope Francis: “The Gospel calls us to examine our hearts and to resist the allure of wealth and power, embracing instead the way of humility, generosity, and love.” (November 13, 2016)

This quote addresses the first passage’s critique of the scribes’ preoccupation with wealth and status, guiding Christians toward a more authentic and generous way of life.

Pope Francis: “The poor widow’s offering serves as a reminder that our worth in God’s eyes is not measured by material wealth or success, but by the sincerity and depth of our love for God and neighbor.” (November 12, 2017)

Pope Francis relates the second passage’s lesson about the value of the widow’s offering to the Christian understanding of worth and value in God’s eyes.

Pope Francis: “The Gospel challenges us to confront the temptation of hypocrisy and self-righteousness, embracing instead the humility and authenticity of the poor widow’s example.” (November 11, 2018)

The Pope highlights the first passage’s warning against hypocrisy, inviting Christians to follow the widow’s example of sincerity and genuine faith.

Pope
Francis

Pope Francis

32nd Sunday of Year B

Two Contrasting Figures:
The Scribe and the Widow

11 November 2018 | Saint Peter’s Square

HOMILY
OUTLINE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Today’s Gospel episode (cf. Mk 12:38-44) concludes the series of Jesus’ teachings given in the Temple of Jerusalem and highlights two contrasting figures: the scribe and the widow. But why are they counterposed? The scribe represents important, wealthy, influential people; the other person — the widow — represents the least, the poor, the weak. In reality, Jesus’ resolute judgment of the scribes is not about the whole profession, but refers to those of them who flaunt their own social position, embellish themselves with the title of ‘rabbi’, that is, teacher, who love to be revered and take the best seats (cf. vv. 38-39).

What is worse is that their ostentation is, above all, of a religious nature, because they pray — Jesus says — and “for a pretense make long prayers” (v. 40), and use God in order to gain respect for themselves as the defenders of his law. This attitude of superiority and vanity causes them to have contempt for those who count for little or who find themselves in an unfavourable economic position, such as widows.

Jesus exposes this perverse mechanism: he denounces the oppression of the weak carried out misleadingly on the basis of religious motivations, declaring clearly that God is on the side of the least. And to really impress this lesson on the minds of the disciples he offers them a living example: a poor widow, whose social position was irrelevant because she had no husband who could defend her rights, and therefore she became easy prey to unscrupulous creditors, because these creditors hounded the weak so they would pay them. This woman, who goes to the temple treasury to put in just two coins — all that she had left — and makes her offering by seeking to pass by unobserved, almost as if ashamed. But, in this very humility, she performs an act laden with great religious and spiritual significance. That gesture full of sacrifice does not escape the gaze of Jesus, who instead sees shining in it the total self-giving to which he wishes to educate his disciples.

The lesson that Jesus offers us today helps us to recover what is essential in our life and fosters a practical and daily relationship with God. Brothers and sisters, the Lord’s scales are different from ours. He weighs people and their actions differently: God does not measure quantity but quality; he examines the heart; he looks at the purity of intentions. This means that our “giving” to God in prayer and to others in charity should always steer clear of ritualism and formalism, as well as of the logic of calculation, and must be an expression of gratuity, as Jesus did with us: he saved us freely. And we must do things as an expression of gratuity. This is why Jesus points to that poor and generous widow as a model of Christian life to be imitated. We do not know her name; however, we know her heart — we will find her in Heaven and go to greet her, certainly; and that is what counts before God. When we are tempted by the desire to stand out and give an accounting of our altruistic gestures, when we are too interested in the gaze of others and — might I say — when we act like ‘peacocks’, let us think of this woman. It will do us good: it will help us to divest ourselves of the superfluous in order to go to what truly counts, and to remain humble.

I. The Contrasting Figures: Scribe and Widow

The scribe represents influential and wealthy people
The widow symbolizes the poor and weak

II. Jesus’ Judgment of the Scribes

Refers to those who flaunt their social position and seek reverence
They use long prayers and religious motivations for personal gain
This leads to contempt for the less fortunate, such as widows

III. God’s Support for the Least

Jesus denounces oppression of the weak under the guise of religion
He declares that God sides with the least and the marginalized

IV. The Poor Widow’s Offering

A widow gives her last two coins as an offering in the temple treasury
Her humility and self-giving are noticed by Jesus
This act of sacrifice is a model of total self-giving and genuine devotion

V. Lessons from the Gospel

God weighs actions based on quality and intentions, not quantity
Giving to God and others should be free of ritualism, formalism, and calculation
The poor widow serves as a model of humility and genuine devotion to be imitated
The story helps refocus on what is essential in life and a daily relationship with God

Question 1: What two contrasting figures are highlighted in today’s Gospel episode?

Answer: The two contrasting figures highlighted in today’s Gospel episode are the scribe and the widow.

Question 2: What is the issue with the scribes that Jesus is criticizing?

Answer: Jesus criticizes those scribes who flaunt their social position, use religion for personal gain, and look down upon the weak and poor.

Question 3: Why is the widow considered easy prey by unscrupulous creditors?

Answer: The widow is seen as easy prey because she has no husband to defend her rights and is in a vulnerable economic position.

Question 4: What is the significance of the widow’s offering at the temple treasury?

Answer: The widow’s offering symbolizes her total self-giving and humility, which Jesus presents as an example for his disciples.

Question 5: What lesson does Jesus offer in this Gospel episode?

Answer: Jesus teaches that God values the quality of actions and purity of intentions rather than quantity and social status.

Question 6: How should Christians approach their actions of giving to God and to others?

Answer: Christians should give to God in prayer and to others in charity freely, without ritualism or calculation, inspired by the example of the poor and generous widow.

Question 7: What does it mean that God weighs actions and people differently?

Answer: It means that God looks at the heart and purity of intentions behind actions, rather than focusing on external factors such as social status or the size of offerings.

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Pope Francis
Homilies

Pope Benedict XVI: “The apocalyptic language of cosmic upheaval underscores the transformative power of Christ’s return, calling us to prepare our hearts and minds for the final consummation of God’s kingdom.” (November 13, 2005)

The Pope highlights the scriptural passage’s use of cosmic imagery to emphasize the need for spiritual readiness in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Pope Benedict XVI: “The gathering of the elect symbolizes the ultimate unity of all peoples in the love and mercy of God, inviting us to work for the reconciliation and healing of our world.” (November 12, 2006)

The quote explores the scriptural passage’s theme of unity in Christ and its implications for Christian living and mission.

Pope Benedict XVI: “The parable of the fig tree offers a lesson in discernment, reminding us to remain watchful for the signs of God’s presence and action in our lives and in the world.” (November 18, 2007)

Here, Pope Benedict XVI addresses the parable’s call to attentiveness and discernment, guiding Christians to recognize and respond to God’s activity in the world.

Pope Benedict XVI: “The enduring truth of Christ’s words serves as a source of strength and guidance for believers, even amidst the uncertainties and challenges of the present age.” (November 16, 2008)

The quote examines the scriptural passage’s emphasis on the enduring power of Christ’s teachings and their relevance for contemporary life.

Pope Benedict XVI: “The triumph of the Son of Man represents the ultimate realization of God’s justice, love, and mercy, inspiring us to work for the transformation of our world according to the values of the Gospel.” (November 15, 2009)

Pope Benedict XVI links the scriptural passage’s vision of Christ’s victory to the mission of the Church and the call to live out the Gospel in the world.

Pope
Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI

32nd Sunday of Year B

A Valuable Lesson About Faith

11 November 2012 | Saint Peter’s Square

HOMILY
OUTLINE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The Liturgy of the Word this Sunday gives us two widows as models of faith. They are presented in parallel: one in the First Book of Kings (17:10-16) and the other in the Gospel of Mark (12:41-44). Both these women are very poor and it is precisely this condition that speaks of their great faith in God. The first appears in the series of narratives about the Prophet Elijah. In a time of famine, he receives an order from the Lord to go to pagan territory near Sidon, outside Israel. There he meets a widow and asks her for water to drink and a little bread. The woman replies that there is only a handful of flour and a drop of oil, but, since the Prophet insists and promises her that, if she listens to him, flour and oil will not be wanting; she listens and is rewarded.

The second widow in the Gospel is noticed by Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, to be precise at the treasury, where men and women are giving alms. Jesus sees this woman throwing two coins into the treasury; he then calls his disciples and explains that her contribution is greater than that of the rich, because, while they gave of their plenty, the widow put in “everything she had, her whole living” (Mk 12:44).

From these two biblical passages, wisely juxtaposed, one can learn a valuable lesson about the faith. It appears as an interior attitude of he who bases his life on God, on the Word, and trusts totally in him. Being a widow in antiquity was in itself a condition of grave need. This is why in the Bible widows and orphans were people whom God cared for in a special way: they have lost their earthly support but God remains their Spouse, their Parent.

Yet, Scripture says that the objective state of need, in this case being a widow, does not suffice: God always asks for our free adherence to faith, that it is expressed in love for him and for our neighbour. No one is so poor that he cannot give something. And, in fact, both of these widows from today demonstrate their faith by carrying out an act of charity: one for the Prophet and the other by almsgiving. Thus they attest to the inseparable unity between faith and love, as between love of God and love of one’s neighbour — as the Gospel of last Sunday reminded us. Pope St Leo the Great, whose memory we celebrated yesterday, affirmed this: “On the scales of divine justice the quantity of gifts is not weighed, but the weight of hearts. The widow deposited in the Temple treasury two small coins and by doing so surpassed the gifts of all the rich. No gesture of goodness is meaningless before God, no mercy is left barren” (Sermo de jejunio dec. mens., 90, 3).

I. Two Widows as Models of Faith

Both women are presented as very poor and faithful to God
One appears in the First Book of Kings, the other in the Gospel of Mark

II. The Widow in the First Book of Kings

In a time of famine, the Prophet Elijah asks a widow for water and bread
Despite having only a handful of flour and a drop of oil, she listens to the Prophet and is rewarded

III. The Widow in the Gospel of Mark

Jesus notices a widow giving two coins at the Temple in Jerusalem
He explains that her contribution is greater than the rich because she gave everything she had

IV. Lessons on Faith and Charity

Faith is an interior attitude based on God and expressed in love for Him and others
Both widows demonstrate the unity between faith and love through acts of charity
Being poor does not exempt one from giving; no act of goodness is meaningless before God

V. God’s Special Care for Widows and Orphans

In the Bible, widows and orphans are people whom God cares for in a special way
They have lost their earthly support, but God remains their Spouse and Parent

Question 1: Who are the two models of faith presented in the Liturgy of the Word?

Answer: The two models of faith presented in the Liturgy of the Word are the two widows: one from the First Book of Kings and the other from the Gospel of Mark.

Question 2: What is the common characteristic shared by the two widows?

Answer: Both women are very poor, and their poverty reflects their great faith in God.

Question 3: In the First Book of Kings, what does the Prophet Elijah ask the widow for?

Answer: Elijah asks the widow for water to drink and a little bread.

Question 4: What is the outcome of the first widow’s interaction with the Prophet Elijah?

Answer: She listens to the Prophet’s promise, and as a result, flour and oil do not run out, and she is rewarded.

Question 5: Where does Jesus encounter the second widow?

Answer: Jesus encounters the second widow at the Temple in Jerusalem, where people are giving alms.

Question 6: Why does Jesus consider the second widow’s contribution greater than the rich people’s contributions?

Answer: The second widow put in everything she had, her whole living, whereas the rich gave only from their abundance.

Question 7: What lesson about faith can we learn from the two widows?

Answer: Faith is an interior attitude of a person who bases their life on God and trusts in Him, and it is expressed in love for Him and for others.

Question 8: How does the Bible portray widows and orphans?

Answer: In the Bible, widows and orphans are people whom God cares for in a special way since they have lost their earthly support, but God remains their Spouse and Parent.

Question 9: How do both widows demonstrate their faith?

Answer: Both widows demonstrate their faith by performing acts of charity: one helps the Prophet, and the other gives alms.

Question 10: What does Pope St. Leo the Great say about the widow’s contribution?

Answer: Pope St. Leo the Great emphasizes that the quantity of gifts is not as important as the weight of hearts, and no act of goodness or mercy is meaningless before God.

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