NOTES for Ki1 17:7-16
Here we have the example of a person faced with a choice: to do something for oneself or for another (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 had to run out. And although she understands that the last portion of bread will not save her and her son, giving it to “some strange man” is more than peculiar. 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 used up and the oil will not run dry. But this may be even harder to accept, since it contradicts the laws of this material world. If only he had said that he would bring bread later... Besides, Elijah might have been a hungry liar who needed to prolong his own life... In any event, the widow faces a choice. And the Lord gives her the strength to make the right choice. Then He proves that He is able to care for each of us better than we can care for ourselves, with our tendency to grab everything for ourselves (see Mt 6:31-34).