Ahab, the king of Israel “did evil in the sight of the Lord more than any of his predecessors” by worshipping false gods, introduced by his wife, Jezebel. Elijah told Ahab the Lord would punish him with a drought lasting many years. In today’s reading a widow gives Elijah the last of her food, and is rewarded with food until the drought ends.
The psalm advises us not to put our trust in princes, but in our God, who is kind and good.
The Letter to the Hebrews continues showing how Jesus Christ is our eternal high priest, “mediator” of the new covenant, which replaced the old covenant. The high priest no longer goes each day into the sanctuary of the Temple, where God dwells on earth, to mediate between man and God. Christ has entered heaven, so he can intercede directly with God on our behalf. Christ died and offered himself as a sacrifice once only, perfectly confirming man’s agreement to the new covenant for ever.
Like the first reading, today’s gospel also involves a widow who gives her all. After last week’s reading about the greatest commandment, the widow exemplifies loving God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength, instead of meaningless ritual.
Psalm Response: My soul, give praise to the Lord.
(1 Kings 17: 10-16; Psalm 145(146): 7-10; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Mark 12: 38-44)