The readings for today’s Mass, taken from 3 Kings (1 Kings) 17:8-16 and Matthew 23:1-12, present a striking contrast between two attitudes toward God: humble trust in His providence and the prideful hypocrisy that seeks human approval. As we journey through Lent, these passages call us to deeper reliance on God and to embrace the spirit of humility, following the example of Christ.
The Widow’s Faith and the Bread of Life (3 Kings 17:8-16)
The account of Elias (Elijah) and the widow of Zarephath is a lesson in faith amid scarcity. God commands Elias to go to a foreign land, where a poor widow will provide for him. Yet, when he arrives, she is gathering sticks to prepare a final meal before she and her son succumb to famine. In a moment of great faith, she obeys the prophet’s words:
“Make me a little bread first, and bring it to me, and after make for thyself and thy son.” (3 Kings 17:13)
By her obedience, the miraculous happens—her flour and oil do not run out. St. Augustine, in his Sermon 11 on the New Testament, sees in this woman a foreshadowing of the Church, which gives of herself and yet is never exhausted, for her sustenance is Christ, the Bread of Life:
“That woman was indeed a widow, but she was also a type of the Church, which, though poor in the eyes of the world, feeds the faithful with the bread of life that never fails.”
This miracle speaks directly to us in Lent. The widow surrenders her last meal in faith, and in return, she receives divine provision. Are we willing to surrender ourselves in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, trusting that God will sustain us? Are we attached to our own comfort, or do we place our full confidence in God’s providence?
The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees and True Humility (Matthew 23:1-12)
The Gospel presents a different lesson—Christ rebukes the scribes and Pharisees, not for their teaching (which, He acknowledges, has authority), but for their hypocrisy:
“All their works they do for to be seen of men.” (Matt 23:5)
St. John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on Matthew, comments on the emptiness of their actions:
“They teach heavenly things, but love earthly honors; they speak of humility, but seek the highest seats. Let us flee such vanity, for what use is it to please men and offend God?”
Their love of titles and outward appearances stands in stark contrast to the humility Christ commands:
“He that is the greater among you, let him be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matt 23:11-12)
During Lent, we are reminded that our acts of penance must not be done for human recognition but for God alone. If we fast, let it be done in secret; if we pray, let it be from the heart; if we give alms, let our left hand not know what our right hand is doing (cf. Matt 6:1-6, 16-18).
Applying These Lessons in Lent
- Trust in God’s Providence – Like the widow of Zarephath, we must be willing to surrender what little we have to God, knowing He will provide for us.
- Guard Against Hypocrisy – We must not seek human praise for our Lenten sacrifices, but rather humble ourselves before God.
- Follow the Example of Christ – As St. Augustine reminds us, Christ Himself took the lowest place: “He humbled Himself that we might be exalted; He made Himself poor that we might be rich; He was made a servant that we might reign.” (Sermon 69)
Let this Lent be a time of true conversion, where we become like the widow, trusting God completely, and unlike the Pharisees, who sought only the approval of men. In doing so, we follow the path of Christ, who humbled Himself even to death on the Cross, that He might raise us to new life.
Prayer
Lord, give us the faith of the widow, that we may trust in Your divine providence even when all seems lost. Grant us the humility to serve others without seeking recognition. Purify our hearts, that our fasting and sacrifices may be pleasing to You alone. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.