The Widow’s Mite

Details: 08 February 2013

Recently, before a 6:40 a.m. Mass at North American Martyrs Church in Lincoln, Father Harlan Waskowiak walked into the sacristy to concelebrate the Mass. Upon seeing the almost-7-foot-tall ‘high priest’ walk through the door, I am sure the altar boys thought old 6’ 4" Father Kubat was short!

I then asked the boys what the word ‘catholic’ meant. They responded with blank stares, most likely because of the early hour, coupled with the shock of seeing such a looming figure stroll through the door.

I then said, "The word ‘catholic’ means ‘universal’ or ‘for everyone’ including tall (pointing to Father Waskowiak) and short (pointing to me), big and small, etc." It is just a hunch, but I bet the altar boys will never forget what the word ‘catholic’ means.

Because God became man to save us all, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves regardless of who they are, including our enemies (Mt 5:43-44; 19:19). This universal call to love our neighbors as ourselves is the reason we help individuals and families that come to us in need regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or how tall they are.

This catholic concept of universality extends to our faithful donors. I often say that the amount of the gift is not as important as the love that accompanies it.

Right before typing these words, I received a beautiful, signed, handwritten letter from one of our benefactors that said, "Dear Father, Please accept the enclosed $5 for your wonderful work in helping the poor. It is truly the ‘widow’s mite’ in the amount, but it is sent with a lot of love. I am now 82 years old, and had a cancerous cyst removed. Please keep me in your prayers Father."

What a moving letter. Moments after reading it, I talked to a man on the phone I know fairly well who called, begging for help. It is only because of love like this that we are able to help the many individuals who come to us in need.

I am truly grateful to Almighty God and to our countless donors who help CSS spiritually with their prayers and penances, materially with items around the home and farm not needed, including vehicles, and financially, with a cash donation according to their means including the widows’ mites that come in with love (Lk 21:1-4).

Please pray for the woman who wrote the letter mentioned above and please remember that all of you, your families and intentions are in our prayers!