July 20, 2014 - "TRY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

In these times of economic hardship, the list of those who suffer want is growing at a rapidly alarming rate. Homeless shelters are overcrowded, with countless numbers turned away due to lack of space. Food pantries can’t keep their shelves stocked, and community food banks have a shrinking inventory of goods needed to help such programs replenish their supply of items that their clients depend upon to survive. There is so much to do and so little resources with which to do it!

Christ clearly spells out what is expected of us in the Gospels. Feed the hungry . . . give drink to the thirsty . . . visit the sick . . . don’t ignore those obviously needs around us. Our Lord didn’t SUGGEST that it would be nice if we did these things 0 he COMMANDED us to do so, with grave consequences promised for those who would ignore His words. Unfortunately, a life of service can sometimes prove to be a strained existence. It is well-documented that some who try to comply with Christ’s command to respond to the needy may try too hard, becoming frustrated in the process.

So s Christians, how do we respond? What can we do? Can we really make a difference? Indeed we can – provided we realize our limitations. None of us can do everything for everyone, but all of us can do something for someone, even if that “something” is simply showing compassion, mercy, love and understanding to those in need. The underprivileged, the unemployed, the unwanted, the unloved, the afflicted and the lonely … they all seek our help.

May we all offer a “CUP OF KINDNESS” to someone in the Name of the Lord! Jesus tried to make a difference. If that can be said of us when our own earthly journey comes to an end, we can be assured of hearing these words from our Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”