NOTES for Ki1 17:7-16

Here we have an astonishing example of a person faced with a choice: to do something for herself or for someone else (see 1 Kgs 17:10-16). It is perfectly clear to us, just as it was to the poor widow of Zarephath, that the flour and oil would run out. And although she understands that the last portion of bread will not save her and her son, giving it to “some stranger” is more than strange. Of course, Elijah does not simply tell her, “Give me your last food, and I will leave.” He does promise her that the Lord will not abandon them; he says that the flour will not be exhausted and the oil will not fail. But this may be even harder to accept, because it contradicts the laws of this material world. It would be different if he had said that he would bring bread later... Besides, Elijah might have been a hungry liar who merely wanted to prolong his own life... In any case, the widow faces a choice. And the Lord gives her the strength to make the right choice. He then proves that He is able to care for each of us better than we can care for ourselves, with our tendency to look after our own interests (see Mt 6:31-34).