Care for Widows

Gospel: Luke 7: 11-17

Jesus restores to life a man who is the son of a widow, and from then on people will hope that Jesus will raise to life their loved one, for if he did it for this woman, why can't he do so for me?  Such a sentiment is all too common in hospital rooms, nursing homes, hospice houses, and countless other places where death is a familiar experience.  The sentiment is certainly understandable and sincere, but one that almost always goes unfulfilled.

But the story is not really about Jesus raising the dead.  It is about the compassion he has for the widow who is now facing a dire future.  She lost her only son - her only means of support and status in a patriarchal society.  She faces a future of grinding poverty and abuse if help is not provided to her.  Jesus provides help to her by restoring life to her son, sparing her the terrible ordeals of being destitute and vulnerable.  

Today, then, our reflection is centered on how we are to help the widows, the vulnerable, and the destitute in our cruel world, a cruelty that is sadly often fueled by the very religion that claims Jesus as its Lord.  In what ways can we provide care through shelter, food, clothing, and welcome? In what ways can we create a society that offers support and care for the vulnerable and marginalized?  In a world where justice and charity are sorely lacking, how is God calling me to extend both in our times?