THE WIDOW'S MIGHT
Reflecting on a moment of grace
English is an intriguing language. Words such as bow have different pronunciations and meanings in different contexts. Other words, such as pair and pare, sound the same but have entirely different meanings. Such a homophone was brought to my attention during a homily on Mark 12:41-44, the story of the widow's mite. The homilist focused on mite but I was drawn to his reference to might. Often
I restrict my understanding or use of a word, but I immediately related to the might of this widow.
Synonyms for might include power, strength, vigour, durability, force, energy and capability. These characteristics are not limited to the physical world, but also relate to the psychological, mental and
spiritual realms.This daughter of God certainly showed many of these traits.
“Where?”, you may ask. As I sat with her in prayer and reflection, I saw ...
Her might is in her determination
to rise above expectations;
to carry with dignity the status of widowhood;
to live simply;
to ignore the judgement of others.
Her might is in her compassion
for those less fortunate than herself;
for the church.
Her might is in her humility
her knowledge of self;
her knowledge of place;
her acceptance of circumstance.
Her might is in her relationship
with self;
with others;
with the Divine.
Her might is in her ability to hear
the voice of the poor;
the whisper of Godde;
the invitation to grace.
Her might is in her ability to overcome fear
of poverty;
of exclusion;
of embarrassment;
of chastisement.
Her might is in her witness
to generosity of spirit and heart;
to obedience;
to charity;
to a life lived with integrity.
Her might is in her intuition
her ability to feel the embrace of God.
Her might is in her courage
to know and live as a beloved daughter of God.
This might comes from knowing we are loved. We all have the option to use our might to bring about an environment of love. Voluntary simplicity, good works, hospitality, a heart for the poor are all attitudes that those with something can adopt. However, for those living daily in grinding poverty, violence and
discrimination, economic philosophies which favour individualism rather than the common good make these options extremely difficult. Their might, the widow's might, are the attitudes I wish to adopt. To be present, right now, to divine love. To know, right now, that I am loved. To express gratitude,
right now, for all that I have. To respond, right now, to love.
Today I have breath… may I have the might to use it to breathe the spirit of love on all that I meet.
Today I have life …may I have the might to nurture the life of others.
Today I have sufficient for my needs … may I have the might to share it with those who struggle.
My hope is that I may use the example of the widow's might to deepen my relationship with Love.
I restrict my understanding or use of a word, but I immediately related to the might of this widow.
Synonyms for might include power, strength, vigour, durability, force, energy and capability. These characteristics are not limited to the physical world, but also relate to the psychological, mental and
spiritual realms.This daughter of God certainly showed many of these traits.
“Where?”, you may ask. As I sat with her in prayer and reflection, I saw ...
Her might is in her determination
to rise above expectations;
to carry with dignity the status of widowhood;
to live simply;
to ignore the judgement of others.
Her might is in her compassion
for those less fortunate than herself;
for the church.
Her might is in her humility
her knowledge of self;
her knowledge of place;
her acceptance of circumstance.
Her might is in her relationship
with self;
with others;
with the Divine.
Her might is in her ability to hear
the voice of the poor;
the whisper of Godde;
the invitation to grace.
Her might is in her ability to overcome fear
of poverty;
of exclusion;
of embarrassment;
of chastisement.
Her might is in her witness
to generosity of spirit and heart;
to obedience;
to charity;
to a life lived with integrity.
Her might is in her intuition
her ability to feel the embrace of God.
Her might is in her courage
to know and live as a beloved daughter of God.
This might comes from knowing we are loved. We all have the option to use our might to bring about an environment of love. Voluntary simplicity, good works, hospitality, a heart for the poor are all attitudes that those with something can adopt. However, for those living daily in grinding poverty, violence and
discrimination, economic philosophies which favour individualism rather than the common good make these options extremely difficult. Their might, the widow's might, are the attitudes I wish to adopt. To be present, right now, to divine love. To know, right now, that I am loved. To express gratitude,
right now, for all that I have. To respond, right now, to love.
Today I have breath… may I have the might to use it to breathe the spirit of love on all that I meet.
Today I have life …may I have the might to nurture the life of others.
Today I have sufficient for my needs … may I have the might to share it with those who struggle.
My hope is that I may use the example of the widow's might to deepen my relationship with Love.