Read Matthew 23:14
I Have Never Taken Advantage Of A Widow.
2nd Woe: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses….”
In short, the scribes and Pharisees preyed on the widows for selfish gain. However they would do it all under the pretense of devoting it to a religious purpose.
They pretend to be concerned about the widows and the poor so as to get them to commit to letting them manage their property as guardian or executors. Then they would take advantage of them.
They would give the appearance of great sanctity, and then induce the widows, or the weak, to give them much, or they would just plain steal it. All while giving the appearance as doing it for the Lord.
This passage is all on “what not to do” to a widow. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to congratulate myself on doing a WONDERFUL job at not taking advantage of widows for personal gain. But wait a minute, before I get to self-righteous, there are several passages in Scripture that tell us what we “should do” for the widows. We are called to love and care for them. Ouch! I’m guilty. I was horrible at visiting my grandparents who sat alone all day in their homes. I could tell you story after story of many people who sit alone at home wishing someone would stop and visit them. And I mean numerous stories.
My grandmother, in ANGER, YELLED AT ME on how she sits at home everyday wondering if “today” is the day someone will come and visit her?!? She said she waits in anticipation, only to go to bed that night with no one visiting. This conversation is still vivid and clear in my mind. My heart is broken as I think back in those years. I was always “too busy” when in reality I was just valuing my other options over visiting her. I failed horribly. I’m ashamed of myself! I wish I could take it back, but I can’t. She’s gone.
Loneliness is a killer. People will do almost anything so as not to be lonely. They will put themselves in bad situations just to get attention. Perhaps that’s why the widows are easy to prey upon. God forgive me of my sins and help me and others to be more aware of the widows in our world today and be more proactive in loving and caring for them. Amen!
