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Reflection By Theresa Denny, Emmaus Spirituality Team member
Today we have two readings referring to widows. We are familiar with both of these readings. Both passages are about the poverty of being a widow. Today, I invite you to substitute the widow with the victims of domestic violence. Like both widows, the victims of domestic violence – mainly women – keep on giving of themselves – some pay the ultimate price - give of their life, but not of their choosing. The cost is great for the individuals involved, for the victim, for their family and the community. The eventual outcome of such abuse results in great suffering and for some, death. Where there are children, they too suffer in the long term. Sometimes these children become orphans when one parent is killed and/or the other imprisoned.
We are all too aware, and have been confronted with a staggering increase in the number of domestic violence cases this year. By April, 25 women had died from gender-based violence, 11 more than the whole of last year. The media has given us horrific reports about how these victims have met their death. Surely God must look upon earth and weep when such atrocities occur.
We are created by a God who loves each of us and has written the law of love on our hearts. Jesus proclaims that the woman who put two small copper coins into the treasury, had given more than all the rich people. In a very real way, it is a summary of the whole Gospel, for God looks at the heart and its readiness to give generously.
Today’s Gospel is about being true to who we are, rather than looking good for the crowd. The scribes are not honest, for they ‘swallow (devour) the property of widows.’ Whereas, the widow, who represents the poorest and most vulnerable in society, gives generously and is not ashamed that people see her for who she is. For those who suffer the abuse of domestic violence it’s a different story. They live a double life - they have a public and private face. When in the community they cope with everyday demands, but it’s a different story within the confines of home. The fear of failure and rejection often stops victims from being honest with family and friends about the extent of their abuse. They justify the situation, to themselves and others, by making statements such as:
Being made in the image of God who is love, we have the desire and capacity to share this gift of love. But we humans are frail and tend to be selfish. Yet love asks us to respond generously, even when we do not necessarily feel like doing so. What response can I make when I become aware of someone experiencing domestic violence? To pray for them is the easy response. What action can I take? How can I show compassion at such times? How can I be a Presence in the midst of their pain and suffering?
This is the challenge I put before you, using Marty Haugen’s words:
Who will speak for the poor and the broken
Who will speak for the peoples oppressed
Who will speak for the ones who are voiceless
Who will speak for the women abused
Who will speak for the children of violence
Who will work so their voice will be heard
Who will speak so their voice will be heard
Oh, who will speak if you (I/we) don’t?
(from Agape - Who Will Speak?)
