Unrestricted Gift

Lessons from the Widow's Mite

Nov 12, 2024

Unlocking the Power of Surrender

In a world that often values self-reliance and personal achievement, the concept of making an "unrestricted gift" can seem foreign or even counterintuitive. Yet, as we explore the powerful lessons found in the biblical accounts of the widows in 1 Kings 17 and Mark 12, we discover that true freedom and abundance often lie in the act of surrender – of giving ourselves over to the care and guidance of a loving God.

As Father Gavin so eloquently reminds us, the widow in the Gospel of Mark "gave everything she had, all that she had to live on." This radical act of generosity, born out of a deep trust in God's provision, stands in stark contrast to the scribes who love to walk around in long robes taking the best seats in the synagogue and places of honor at banquets. (Mark 12:38-39)

The widow's unrestricted gift foreshadows the ultimate act of surrender – the self-emptying of Jesus Christ, who freely chose to do this to make of himself an unrestricted gift for the salvation of all humanity. This profound example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider where we may be holding back, afraid to fully entrust ourselves to the Lord's care.

Embracing the "One Day at a Time" Principle

As we reflect on the widows' stories, we are reminded of the importance of living in the present moment and trusting in God's daily provision. The widow in 1 Kings 17 was preparing for her and her son's "last day," yet through her willingness to share her meager resources with the prophet Elijah, she experienced the miraculous provision of the Lord, who ensured that "the jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail." (1 Kings 17:15-16)

This "one day at a time" principle, so central to the spirituality of the 12-step program, encourages us to let go of our anxieties about the future and instead focus on the present, knowing that God will provide for our needs as they arise. As the psalmist declares, "The Lord gives food to the hungry and upholds the widow and the orphan." (Psalm 146:7)

By embracing this mindset of trust and surrender, we can find the strength to tackle whatever challenges come our way, secure in the knowledge that God's resources are limitless, even when our own seem scarce. The widows' stories remind us that true abundance is not found in the accumulation of wealth or possessions, but in the willingness to let go and rely on the Lord's unfailing provision.

Remembering the Sacrifices of Others

As we reflect on the widows' examples of unrestricted giving, we are also called to remember the countless others who have made similar sacrifices throughout history. The upcoming Remembrance Day holiday in Canada provides a poignant opportunity to honor the men and women who have "given everything they had, all they had to live on" in defense of our freedoms.

On November 11th at 11:00 AM, take a moment to stop and say a prayer of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, purchased by the lives of so many others.
Attend a local Remembrance Day service to pay tribute to the veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to put themselves on the line, making an unrestricted gift of their service.
Reach out to a veteran or active-duty service member and express your heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment to protecting our way of life.

As we remember the selfless acts of these heroes, we are reminded that the freedom we cherish is not free – it has been purchased at a great cost. By honoring their memory and the legacy they have left behind, we can strive to emulate their example of unrestricted giving, whether it be in service to our country, our community, or our faith.

Offering Our Unrestricted Gift at Mass

The widows' stories also invite us to consider the ways in which we can make an unrestricted gift of ourselves within the context of our faith. As Father Gavin points out, when we participate in the Mass, the priest invites us to pray that "my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the almighty Father." This is a powerful moment, where we are called to offer ourselves, our very lives, as a living sacrifice to the Lord.

The 12-step recovery program offers two powerful prayers that can guide us in this process of surrender and self-offering:

Step 3 Prayer: God, I offer myself to thee – to build with me and to do with me as thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of thy power, thy love, and thy way of life. May I do thy will always!
Step 7 Prayer: My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. Which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here to do your bidding.

As we pray these words and truly mean them, we are embracing the same spirit of unrestricted giving that the widows demonstrated. We are acknowledging our own powerlessness and our need for God's strength, and we are committing ourselves to be used by Him for the greater good of his kingdom and the service of our fellow human beings.

Practical Applications: Stepping Out in Faith

The lessons we've explored from the widows' stories invite us to consider how we can apply them in our own lives. Here are a few practical steps we can take:

Identify areas of your life you're afraid to surrender: spend time in prayer and reflection, asking the Lord to reveal any parts of your life that you're holding back from him. Where are you afraid to make an unrestricted gift of yourself?
Reflect on when you last turned your will and life over to God's care: When was the last time you made a conscious decision to surrender your life to the Lord's guidance? How did that experience impact your life?
Seek out opportunities to make an unrestricted gift: Look for ways to serve others, whether it's volunteering in your community, supporting a charitable cause, or simply being present and attentive to the needs of those around you. Ask the Lord to show you how you can make an unrestricted gift of yourself.
Attend a Remembrance Day service: As mentioned earlier, take the time on November 11th to honor the sacrifices of those who have defended our freedoms. Allow their example to inspire you to live with a greater sense of gratitude and commitment to serving others.

As we embrace the lessons of the widows' unrestricted gifts, may we be empowered to let go of our fears, trust in God's provision, and offer ourselves fully to his service. In doing so, we will not only experience the freedom and abundance that comes from surrender, but we will also become living testaments to the transformative power of an unrestricted gift.

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