The Grace of Our Own Poverty
Haiti in the summer? Not most people’s idea of a vacation, I know. Sometimes
we travel far and near with the misperception that we are coming to “help
others” or “lead them down the right path.” Often times in my life I find that I
go only to be the one helped and assisted by others. Going to help the poor has
always been a blessing for my life, priesthood and for my prayer. The poor
gently challenge me by reminding me of my own poverty.
Who of us wouldn’t love the chance to go and learn from the poor and the
Missionaries of Charity? Believe me, I do not go alone. I take you with me as I
know that the more that God blesses us with His Grace, the more we become
aware of our own poverty. Poverty before God is a blessing – it causes
miracles.
Today’s Gospel is a classic example of how God works. Their need and God’s
Supply. Our poverty and His Abundance. That’s the way it works. Where
there is a lack, God brings His miracles of Love.
Christ fed thousands in the Gospel. But, truly, doesn’t He feed us constantly?
Without God – no matter what we have will all turn to rust and fade away.
How can we survive some of the “trials, distresses, persecutions and hungers”
without Christ?
Maybe this is the time to ask the question: Next summer, do you think that we
could plan a mission somewhere to help the poor? Some people have already
approached me about this possibility…They seem committed. I am praying
that wherever God wants us to go, He will send us. And there we will learn
more about receiving than giving. There, we will learn more about our own
poverty.
Love in Christ,
Fr. Dan |