We have heard this gospel story many times while at Mass: “And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living’” (Mk 12:41-44).
Recently, an older woman I know who is living on a limited fixed income approached me in public and discreetly said, “Father, I have something for you!” Reaching into her purse, she gave me a few dollars and said, “I have been meaning to do this for a long time.” She wanted me to use the money to help someone in need. During and after giving me this money, I thought of the poor widow in the gospel as outlined above. I was touched not only with the gesture, but by the sincerity of the gift.
Not long before this encounter, we helped a homeless man who was secretly living in an abandoned warehouse without heat or running water. He was fortunate enough to have found a job as a short order cook at a fast food restaurant. Once we found out about this man, we were able to help him get into an apartment, furnish it, and give him a car. I am happy to say, he has a line on a much better paying job and has a vehicle that will allow him drive there. Sometimes, people need a little push to put them on a better trajectory, to lift them out a jam.
Ever since I started working at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, I am continually amazed and edified by the generosity of our donors, those who are financially well-off who give sacrificially and those who are less well-off and do the same.
Whether the donations are big or small, they all add up to an amount, foreknown by God, that is used to help the countless men and women, young and old, and families who come to us in crisis. Sometimes, people we see are crying tears of sorrow which are transformed into tears of joy after we help them.
No matter how many times I thank our donors, I will never be able to thank them enough, so for those of you who have helped us in the past, please accept our heartfelt thanks. For those who have not supported us in the past, please consider first, supporting us with your prayers and penances, materially with items around your house or farm not needed, and a cash donation, according to your means, like the woman I described above.
This is why we pray and I offer Masses for our supporters, their family members and intentions. Please know that God will bless you and your reward in heaven is great!
