The Things We Keep

“I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” Luke 21:3-4

What a lesson this poor widow teaches us during the biggest spending season of the year! It’s a pity she is unnamed for there are not many like her. There are many saints who came from rich families, and were inspired to live in poverty, preferring to make the Lord their wealth. There is of course the well known story of St. Francis of Assisi- Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone was the son of a prosperous silk merchant and a French noblewoman. While he was in the army, he had a vision which caused him to return home and refrain from all his former indulgences. So startling was his change in habits, that a friend asked him if he was thinking of marrying. He answered, “Yes, a fairer bride than any of you have ever seen", meaning his "Lady Poverty".

Princess St. Elizabeth of Hungary, heiress St. Katharine Drexel, Russian prince Demetrius Augustus Gallitzin, highly born St. Norbert of Xanten are examples of those who gave up their wealth like the merchant in search of the pearl of great price. They deliberately left behind their high ranking families, renounced their inheritance, or used their wealth to start schools, etc. It would be enriching for us to walk beside these saints this season, and think of how we can help others. 

As I’ve always said, I write these meditations not to make an example of myself, but to preach to myself. I am always in need of reminders to stop buying stuff instead giving to those who need. After all, the only things we get to keep are those we give away.