Perspective
A Widow's Role
This past month I had an experience that made me take another look at the story of the widow’s mite. We in the United States experienced one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history as Hurricane Katrina swept over the Gulf. We watched with sorrow as New Orleans was flooded, homes were destroyed and many lives were lost. At the same time we were encouraged to see the outpouring of support and help that followed.
The Luke Society central office also received an outpouring of concern from our international ministry partners when they heard of the devastation. Along with the expressions of concern and assurance of prayers, many asked if there was any other way they could help. They asked if they could contribute to the relief efforts. My first thought was, “Thank you for the offer, but in what way would you help?” My mind frame was that support and funding flowed in their direction. On further reflection, I realized I was guilty of a condescending attitude - not adequately valuing their desire or ability to help, and only later really appreciating the depth of Christian love it represented.
Throughout the Bible, widows are the symbol of the powerless and poor. James reminds us that “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
The Israelites were commanded to care for them specifically. The widow symbolized a person who needed to receive charity. I had always read this story in Matthew as a direct message to the wealthy - an admonition to us to give sacrificially. But now I also read a message that all Christians have a role in giving.
The widow had likely experienced the role of receiving help, but in this passage she plays the role of giving. There is value in the small gift of the widow, and it is important that the gift be honored. Indeed, her gift and the attitude in which it was given are highlighted by Jesus as a paradigm for us, His disciples.
I contacted the staff at Cary Christian Center in Cary, Mississippi, and found that they were helping displaced families and did have a financial need. We let our ministry partners know that, if they desired, they could contribute to this need, and that amount would be withheld from their next budget transfer. Several ministries responded and contributed to the relief effort.
Though neither widows or desperately poor, our Luke Society partners and staff are being used to support the work of the Cary Christian Center staff as they minister to the needs of displaced hurricane victims. I know that God will use these gifts to further His Kingdom through the expression of their Christian love.
Every Christian is called to a giving role. Even the poorest, those who we see as receivers, are called to give. And like the widow, they may show us the best example - giving out of their poverty.
Dr. Wrede Vogel