7 June 2022

So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.’ As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’ 

From 1 Kings 17:7-16, NRSV

At one level, the story about the encounter between the prophet Elijah and the widow is about generosity. The initial response of this poor widow, approached by a stranger with the request for food, is to explain that she has next to nothing left. In fact she was about the prepare a meagre meal for herself and her son and expected this to be their last. Elijah reassured her that she did not need to be afraid and instructed her to continue with her intention to prepare the small meal but firstly to make a small scone for him out of her handful of meal. Provisions that were not enough for two were now required to stretch to three and yet all were fed with food and oil to spare. The fact that this widow was a gentile makes her response all the more remarkable – she was not one of the “Chosen People” but was chosen by God and ready to respond.

• • What do you think enabled the widow to obey the prophet’s instruction?
  • What meaning does this event have for you?

Be aware today of ways in which others seek your help and trust God to show you how to respond.