In the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus is preaching to the crowds, he notices a woman approach the temple treasury and place two small coins into the basket. Seeing this, the Lord gathers together his disciples and says to them: “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributions to the treasury. For they have contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood (Mark 14:43-44).”

In this chapter, Jesus shows little patience for the pious, the privileged, and the rich who seek attention and influence in the community. He encourages his followers to be cautious around those who show up to show off. He tells them to be wary of anyone who seeks to use their wealth or position to get attention or wield influence over people’s lives. Instead, he focuses on the contribution of a poor widow, who can’t afford much, but gives what she can from the heart. Her gift may be small, but it is generous and sincere. This kind of gift, Jesus reminds us, is the greatest gift of all.

We know people like the poor widow. They are young and old, men and women, single and married. Some have money in the bank and some barely make ends meet. Some we know well and some we only know by sight. They might sit beside us or behind us in church. We see them cleaning up the pew after Mass. We see them helping someone down the ramp. We see them sharing a kind word with a fellow parishioner. We see them around town — at the grocery store, the post office, or the donut shop. We see them everywhere, but do we notice them?

About men and women like the poor widow, Pope Francis says: “In God’s great plan, every detail is important, even yours, even my humble little witness, even the hidden witness of those who live their faith with simplicity in everyday family relationships, work relationships, and friendships (4-14-13).” In this way, each one of us can earn the praise the Lord showers upon the poor widow. Each one of us can give what we can to build up our families, parishes, and neighborhoods. Maybe our gift is money. But maybe our gift is something else!

Maybe our gift is praying more for our parishes and for those who desperately need our prayers. Maybe our gift is picking up some of the litter that seems to reproduce on its own along our streets and in our parks. Maybe our gift is volunteering a couple of hours each month with the Assisi Project, Knights of Columbus, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Our Lady’s Guild, the Holy Family Women’s Guild, Holy Name or some other service organization. Maybe our gift is resolving to be faithful, hopeful, and loving in a world that seems to cry out for more of the poor widow’s kindness.

As another week begins, let’s pray for the grace, courage, and perseverance to play our small part in God’s plan for the salvation of souls. Let’s remember that when we pull together in a spirit of love and generosity, we can do a great deal of good in our corner of the world. Most of all, let’s remember the gift of the poor widow!

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-7-21)
Bringing Home the Word (11-7-21)
The Kids Bulletin (11-7-21)

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Call to Prayer
Three Simple Prayers

An Act of Faith