Pray for Widows

by Beverly Mantyh

Photo by Katsiaryna Endruszkiewicz on Unsplash

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

The Bible speaks of widows many times. The widow who has only enough for oil and flour for one loaf is generous and shares with Elijah. God then provides her with enough to live through the famine. Jesus has mercy on the weeping widow and raises her son from the dead. He speaks of the poor widow in the temple as an example of someone who gives from her poverty and will be rewarded. It's clear from the context that, in the early church, widows were being neglected.

Two millenia later, are widows still being neglected? Yes.

The Lord promised to console those who mourn. However, the Lord depends upon his Church to act as his eyes, ears, mouth and arms. Many Catholic parishes have grief ministries. And people are far more likely to talk about loss and grief. The Order of Christian Funerals states: “When a member of Christ’s body dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of one whom they love.”

Here are some resources:

Good Mourning Ministry was established by John and Sandy O'Shaughnessy, both of whom were widowed with two young children to raise. They provide videos and workbooks that can be used in a parish setting, and are available for speaking engagements. www.goodmourningministry.org

The Seasons of Hope Catholic Parish Small Group Resources (by M. Donna McLeod) This unique grief support program for Catholics focuses on the spiritual side of grieving the death of a loved one. It invites those who mourn to accompany one another and to meet Christ through scripture, prayer, reflection, and simple activities that offer comfort and help to foster healing and spiritual growth.  Recently updated. Pastoral.center/seasons-of-hope

Hope’s Harbor: A Devotional Journal, by Trish Stukbauer:  Embracing the metaphorical journey of grief, these 60 devotions offer a lifeline for those navigating the unpredictable waves of sorrow, affirming that God is an unwavering anchor in our tumultuous seas of emotions. Recognizing the challenge of focusing during times of grief, each devotion is intentionally short, an acknowledgment that concentration may waver amidst the emotional storm. Available on Amazon.

Lord, let us pray:

* for all widows and widowers that they would know the Holy Spirit as Comforter;

* for all those who mourn, that they would be blessed with friends and family who allow them to mourn in their own way;

* for widows of military personnel, that they would know honor for their spouse and gratitude for their profound sacrifice;

* For those who have cared for spouses with lingering diseases, that God would fill their time with fulfillment and peace;

* for those who have lost their spouses suddenly, that any regrets would be soothed with forgiveness and healing;

* for communities to remember to draw close and care for widows and widowers, emotionally, physically and spiritually; and

* for an increase of care for widows, especially the elderly, that all public agencies and caregivers would be kind and sensitive to their dignity and their loss.

Amen.