Before moving forward on this beautiful Sunday and Sabbath experience, let us take a look at the mention of the widow in the Bible: 56 times in the Old Testament and 26 in the New. Not just a casual passing reference, wouldn’t you say? With these many occurrences, clearly, something beautiful is going on, and we need to examine this if we are to gain spiritual benefits from these powerful Readings from Holy Scripture. In the Old Testament, the common words associated with the mention of widows were: weeping, mourning, desolation, poverty, and indebtedness. They were especially vulnerable because they were absolutely dependent on everyone and thus had known the joy of love and the anguish of loss more than any other member of society. And because of this particular life experience, widows probably reflected the image of God much more significant than others.
In the New Testament, widows were prominent such as Anna, the long-time widowed temple attendant who was uniquely privileged to greet the infant Messiah; A widow who received the miraculous gift of seeing her son healed by Jesus because of His deep and warm compassion for her; Today, there is the remarkable persistence from a widow who keeps demanding justice from a corrupt judge and the great meaning and value of persistence in prayer with our Loving God. “While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.”
This life is it. There will be no “second-chance” or “let me try this again until I get it right.” Instead, it appears that before our final, earthly, and physical death, there is an urgency for us to face a spiritual dying oneself, to empty ourselves of attachments and obsessions, and to recall the example and image of the widow who clearly provided a lifetime example: “Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Spiritual poverty begins with depending on God completely, letting go of the non-important pettiness we encounter, and contributing to the core of our livelihood, which is the deep desire to follow the Lord Jesus. This takes us to the border between life and death where there are no guarantees – only hope, where there are no answers – only faith, and where there is no security – only love. This is where the poor widow lives. This is where God lives. And they live in a union as one. In the face of the poor widow – the face of spiritual poverty – Jesus sees and recognizes Himself—and we see Him.
So my dear friends, what are we to do as we bathe in the grace of these powerful proclamations from Scripture? First, practice the faith. Of course, the spiritual life is a struggle, but within that grind, we find ourselves and our road to holiness. Second, be generous in the things of God and pray for the spirit of detachment. The widow lived this remarkable spirit, and even though, in monetary terms, her offering didn’t amount to much, her intention and her heart certainly did, as she was poised for entrance into the Kingdom of heaven. Finally, reject discouragement and dedicate your speech to encouragement: “As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset.”
“Difficult and meaningful will always bring more satisfaction than easy and meaningless.” Maxime Lagace
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”