A Soldier's Mite

On what is arguably the most beautiful day of the year, high above a natural archway of live oak trees, a colossal American flag waves proudly in the air. Looking to my right and left I see a seemingly unending line of school children, towns people and others flanking both sides of Broussard’s Main street to serve as an honor guard for Sgt. Patrick Williamson who, last week lost his life serving in Afghanistan.

Many of these people don’t know Patrick or his family, yet stand anonymously holding flags in reverent silence to pay their respects and witness to a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In this weekend’s gospel we are asked to consider the notion of personal sacrifice. Gathered with his disciples in the temple, Jesus notices a poor widow making her way to the treasury with her meager offering. Not wanting his followers to miss the significance of what was happening he says “…this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

This passage is often called “The Widow’s Mite”, the mite a small Roman coin used during New Testament times. For most though, the passage has come to signify a person willing to make a sacrifice a great personal cost.

I pray that in some way, the hundreds of young people, soldiers, firefighters, veterans, policemen and women called attention to The Soldier’s Mite.

Sgt. Williamson was hoping to leave behind family, friends and country for a time in order to serve his country. He was hoping to contribute his time away from home, a certain loneliness that comes in the life of every soldier in war, fatigue from sleepless nights, the mental anguish of combat and the weight of responsibility that leaders always bear. That’s what Patrick was hoping to give. For our sake, and that of many others he was willing to contribute all he had, his whole life.

After the procession we gathered in the Temple of God and watched as Sgt. Williamson was laid before the crucifix and altar of sacrifice. A fallen soldier at the feet of his slightly older slain King.

One suffered death so that we may enjoy our freedom. One conquered death and is risen, so that we are able to inherit the freedom of eternal life.

I’m sobered, challenged and comforted today by three powerful images of sacrifice—the cross, the mite, and the flag covered coffin. I contemplate the response each asks of me and my family. I invite you to do the same.