November 16. Widowhood. Widows are commonly mentioned in the Bible, primarily because of their vulnerability, rather than the fact that they are widows, have lost a spouse and maybe mourning that loss and learning to deal with the life experience.  Widowers too have to work through a process.  For some this results initially in a state of confusion, a sense of helplessness and inadequacy at least for a time.  Gradually they may recover a sense of justice, seek compensation if there has been wrongdoing and become more confident in expressing their needs.  

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man and there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Vindicate me against my enemy, give me justice.”  The judge said to himself, because this widow bothers me, I will give her what she wants or she will wear me out by her continual coming.   Luke 18:1-8.  Pope  Francis: Although the certainty of death saddens us we are consoled by the promise of future immortality.  For the life of those who believe in you Lord, is not ended but changed. AL 256-8.Disinterested concern for others, and the rejection of every form of self-centredness and self-absorption are essential if we truly wish to care for our brothers and sisters and for the natural environment.  LS 208.   Eco-tip and prayer:  Creator God in this month of commemoration of loss and death comfort us in our pain and strengthen us in our understanding that you never abandon us and care for each of your creatures day by day.