Widows

"As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her." Lk 7:12

There are two things in today’s gospel that move me and remind me that the gospel is about transformation, not just information.  No doubt I have said this before, but I often worry that Catholics don’t think of themselves as disciples. Discipleship, they say, is too high an honor, and with a false sense of humility, suggest that they do not deserve such a title.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We don't deserve or gain discipleship. It is a free gift from God who has called all of us to discipleship through baptism. We are to speak and live the good news with integrity, honesty and conviction. Jesus’ response to the widowed mother in today's gospel is a perfect example for us to follow.

Widows were in real danger in the world of Jesus.  They rarely owned property, were often illiterate and had to rely on their eldest son for sustenance and a place to live.  If a woman’s only son died before her she became dependent on the charity of her extended family.  Further if she was young enough, and her brother in law was willing, she would have to marry him in order to produce another son who would be considered her first husband’s child. The brother in law could refuse to marry his brother’s wife, but the woman had no choice. (Deut 25: 5-10) When, in today's gospel, Jesus sees the widow whose only son has died “he was moved with pity for her.” Knowing her vulnerability and grief, he touches her son and brings him back to life.  Jesus' compassion is a wonderful example for us, not just to guide our concern of widows, but to remind us to care for the poor and anyone without a voice, an identity or social standing in our society.

The gospel also tells us that a large crowd was with the widow.  Was she popular? Had her husband been wealthy or an important figure in town?  Was her son prominent in their village? We are not told any of these details, but I prefer to think that the crowd, knowing her vulnerability,  wanted simply to accompany her as she let go of her only son and lifeline. Again, there is a simple lesson for us.  We might not always be able to do something for others to make their lives better, but we can all accompany one another in faith.  In the end, there is nothing more important.