Holy Simplicity: Trust Like The Widow

Mark 12:38-44

This gospel highlights the poor widow who gave her whole livelihood in tithing — two small coins. And the wealthy who donated from their surplus.

As I reflected on this poor widow, I wondered about her life and how she lived. 

Could she have lived with an adult son or daughter and their family? Or another relative? Or perhaps other widows? This would make sense if she gave up all her livelihood in tithing — it would be hard to meet a huge monthly rent on her own.

How did she cover her food and self-care expenses? Did she perhaps have a little job as a seamstress? Housecleaning? Crushing grapes? Raising chicken eggs? Watching children?

If she were not able-bodied, perhaps she lived on donations. Maybe by begging?

One thing we know is true is that she trusted in God’s Providence, whatever avenue it came through. 

It is not easy to live on nothing, giving the last of your coins and trusting God to meet your needs. It feels like jumping off a hill and trusting God to catch you!

She may have gradually come to that place of total surrender, giving a little more each time, and growing in trust in God.

Someone like this would learn to detach from superfluous wants and rely only on basic needs. 

There’s much to ponder on this — superfluous wants. Why do we want them? How can we detach? Does it hinder donating to the needy? Things to ask ourselves. 

There is a beautiful story from a Franciscan Community of Sisters in Kentucky, who decided to fast from their usual foods for Lent. The Mother Sister wondered how they would carry on. But the very day of need, someone arrived at the door, donating the coffee and eggs they had long relied upon for breakfast and had just given up! This is an inspiring testimony of Divine Providence!

The poor widow may have had a relationship with Divine Providence much like these sisters and other faith-filled religious communities.

I’m still learning about Divine Providence as a consecrated woman and Carmelite. On a recent birthday, I received a beautiful donation, and only later did the lady realize it was inspired ON my birthday — a present from Jesus!

Having come from an abusive upbringing and having trust issues, the Lord is still working on my inner healing to do with living in holy simplicity.

It seems it’s a much harder cross for those from the USA or a wealthier upbringing. There is much to detach from and suffering to endure until clinging close to Jesus’ Heart.

Those who come from a family that lived simply are often the freest, the most joyful, the most content, and trusting in Jesus. And they often know how to share with others in need.

Yet it’s said that even among the poorest, they will be unhappy if they cling to what little they have and hunger for more “things.”

Even St. John of the Cross (as attributed to him) had his crucifix taken away at one point to test if he was attached. He was peaceful, but the point is that we can become attached to anything.

It’s not always about the lightness of the load, but the attitude of the heart — toward things and God.

There are some very rich people who are very detached from things and are using their gifts to serve those in need. I think of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. What holy young souls who came from much affluence!

St. Carlo often used his own allowance and savings to buy food, sleeping bags, and necessities for people living on the streets. He even gave the shoes from his own feet to a homeless man. He helped the needy, the bullied, and the marginalized in many ways.

St. Frassati regularly went into the poorest neighborhoods of Turin, bringing food, medicine, clothing, and encouragement. He was active in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, visiting the sick, elderly, and impoverished. He gave away much of his money. Instead of spending freely on himself, he often gave his allowance, train fare, or pocket money to those in need. He often gave away his clothing and possessions that he carried. He visited hospitals, providing practical assistance and companionship to those who were suffering. And he helped in many other ways.

It is not about poverty for its own sake, but about giving to those in need. This creates space in our souls for Jesus to live and bear fruit.

Jesus did teach that it’s hard for the rich to be saved. It’s not impossible, though!

If this meditation has you examining yourself, you might consider studying the book by the great Fr. Thomas Dubay, “Happy Are You Poor.”

Author Connie Rossini wrote a wonderful short post about this book and holy poverty:  https://contemplativehomeschool.com/2013/07/12/god-calls-you-to-holy-poverty/

Poor Heart of Jesus, be our comfort. Be our balm. Be our light. Be our love. Be our salvation. Amen.