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