The theme of discipleship can be found in today’s readings as well with the two different widows presented.  In the first reading, the widow of Zarephath does some actions the disciples are also called do to do.  She gave the prophet of the little she had, and it was multiplied. It is important she was willing to listen to the instructions of the prophet and did not feel belittled because she was told to bake something for him.  A disciple is called to follow the instructions to help others.  She knew she had little to give but she also trusted the words of the prophet that everything would be alright. This too is what a disciple must do, trust that God will provide. Be not afraid to be generous, for if given for the service of God, it will be multiplied.  The prophet also mentions to the widow, “the jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry” and this is also a powerful image for the disciple.  The jar of flour and jug of oil are metaphors of the continuing formation the disciple must have so their lives do not go empty.   There are some so-called disciples that really have their jar and jug nearly empty, they are in danger of falling away and being carried away by other religions because they do not know their faith.  They are running on empty.  They are nearly without resources in their faith.  And so, the first reading gives the solutions for those who are low in resources of faith, give yourself to the service of others and faith will increase.   This is what the widow also did when she was willing to cook for the prophet.  This is what disciples can also do. When feeling empty, more formation and more service is needed to fill the receptacles of faith back to the brim.  In the Gospel reading we see another widow.  This widow is not named. But that only means this widow represents all who will be disciples. The widow gives the two small coins worth only a few cents, but that is all she had.  She gave them without making a big display about it.  She did not attract attention. She did not make even noise in depositing the coins.  She had little to give but she gave it will all her heart.  This is what is to be expected of the disciples.  To give even the little that can be had in time, talent and treasure.  When a disciple gives, it is with discretion.  It is not to attract attention to self, but rather does it when no one else looking, only God.   The theme for this week is widows who lived in poverty showing what it really means to be disciple. However, one more thing can be said about these readings.  The disciple will take care of widows in the community.  It is very interesting that one of the first actions of the early Christian community was to help widows. This is the same the modern-day disciples are called to do, take care of those widows in our community in a generous way.  Now it is more difficult to ascertain who is a widow [or widower] but many just need companionship because they are suffering, they are alone, they are stranded.  The true disciples need to be there to help those members in our community who are going through such a difficult time of losing a spouse.   Today’s readings show the good qualities these widows had as disciples, but they also call for disciples to help widows.