A mark of "pure worship" and true religion is our concern for widows (Jas 1:27). This suggests that a widow has a very important part in God's plan, if she "has set her hope on God and continues night and day in supplications and prayers" (1 Tm 5:5). Holy widows are so precious that, when necessary, the Church has paid for their expenses so that they can continue their ministry without being concerned about their livelihood (1 Tm 5:3ff). When widows give all that they have "to live on" (Mk 12:44), even if monetarily that is only worth a cent, they may be giving "more than all the others" (Mk 12:43).

Consequently, widows, make a decision to give your lives to the Lord and His Church. By His grace and your obedient love, make the last years of your life the very best. Guard against giving yourselves up "to selfish indulgence," for this is "a life of living death" (1 Tm 5:6). Widows, God has good reasons for giving you a few years of life after your husbands' deaths. Trust Jesus and let Him be Lord of your lives and therefore of your widowhood.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001