Homily given by Revd (Capt) J Power CF at Westminster Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday 2024
There is much to say about the readings that we have just heard and specifically, there is much to say about just the Gospel.
The Gospel is almost split into two distinct parts, in the first: Jesus’s warning of becoming like the scribes, who like to be greeted in the market squares, to take front seats in the Synagogues, taking places of honour at banquets and making show of their lengthy prayers.
In the second part of the Gospel and the focus of this reflection is Jesus observing people outside the treasury. In the Gospel account, Jesus contrasts ‘the rich putting in a great deal’ against the poor widow who came and ‘put in two small coins the equivalent of a penny.’
Jesus doesn’t comment on those who were able to contribute a great deal but he does remark that the widow has ‘put more in than all who have contributed; all that she had to live on.’
At first glance of this reading, Jesus seems to be preferring the small amount of money the vulnerable widow can offer rather than the larger amount of others; particularly the wealthy. It is a fair assumption to make if we read this passage out of context. We may even deduce that the ‘treasury’ the offerings are made is in some form of bank or for safe keeping – it isn’t, the treasury is the inner court of the Temple – not the outside or some random collection plate. Therefore, we can presume a fairly sacred space. The intention in this context is of the widow who is to give all that she has to the Glory of God, for the upkeep of the temple. In actual fact, the small financial contribution that she makes is insignificant, negligible in material terms.
What Jesus sees as he observes her is her intention to give the little that she had; we could say Jesus is moved by what is in her heart. Jesus isn’t interested in the value of the two coins. He sees her gifts of her heart; her generosity given in faith and love.
Faith and love. Today we do remember those who have given their lives in faith and love. Faith in the conviction of what they are doing and out love for those who they serve. Some we know through personal relationships and stories and some we know because of their notable courage and endeavours on the battlefield and their subsequent honours.
But, aren’t there so many! Maybe the majority, whom like the poor widow, have just done their duty quietly. Today, many will march past the Cenotaph, not for themselves but for all those who have paid the ultimate price of their lives, for those who today bear the physical and psychological scars of battle.
For ourselves today, we can learn something from the poor widow. Not in terms of what she gave away but the intention of which she gave it, in faith and love. St Paul tells us that love is patient, kind and not self-seeking, it delights in the truth and keeps no record of wrongs.
As Christians, embodying love like this in our lives: patience, kindness and truth, we will grow in purity of heart, in which St. Mathew in his Gospel tells us will enable us to see God.
You will have heard, particularly if you are from the military family, an often used line from St. John’s Gospel. It is a line I often use during field services, on exercise and on Operations. It is the words of Jesus: ‘Greater love has no-one than to lay down their life for their friends.’ Jesus doesn’t say it is the best form of love, he doesn’t say it is the most sought after. He says ‘no greater love – no greater a love.’ It is a love that Jesus expressed when he offered up his life for each one of us here. It is the greatest love, a love that those who have given their life in defence of our nation; today, we rightly remember them.
