There is much that can be said about people who hold certain positions in society, particularly those in the 1st century.  Scribes were one such category of people – experts and teachers in legal matters.  A society that lived by the Mosaic Law meant scribes were highly respected and sought after.  They drafted documents for contracts, mortgages and loans.  Their position allowed them to easily take advantage of the poor without any real consequences.

Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers.

Jesus often criticises the scribes for not following through with their understanding of the law.  They applied the law to their advantage at the expense of others.  Their religious wear, supposed to be a symbol of integrity, is now one of misdeeds and bad practices.  Many people today share Jesus’ rage against authorities including religious leaders who misuse and abuse the powers entrusted to them.  The very people they are supposed to serve are deprived of their proper rights, and in doing so, erode the trust of the people.

The widow, on the other hand, is one of the most disadvantaged members of society, without a word she gives away the very little she had.  She offers us an example of hope for people who are still very faithfully generous.  Without any powers to call this injustice, Jesus speaks up on her behalf.

Every institution, including the Church, is a human institution prone to abuse of powers, it continues to be supported by those who quietly go about serving the Church.  Fortunately, we also have those who speak on their behalf.  May it be our prayer this week for the Church, ourselves included, to hear the voices like those of the widow and those of Christ to be a church not of hypocrisy but of authenticity.

By Fr Hoang Dinh

Published: 8 November 2024