Doing For Others

Each time I sit in that faithful pew at church, an idea that was once presented to me reawakens and my faith suddenly begins renewed. Padre Puerta is constantly pushing me to reexamine who I am, not only as a Catholic, but also as a human on this earth.

This week, he challenged me to look in the mirror and ask myself:

“What side of the Father do I sit on? And, have I TRULY deserved to sit on that side?”

You see, as the holidays come around, we tend to strive for a perfect gift, that quintessential table setting to impress those around us and set a standard of who we are and what we represent. Trips to the decorating store are made; last minute runs to the food store to make sure that recipe is perfect consume our hours. But, whom are we doing that for?

Did you remember to invite that co-worker who clearly doesn’t have anywhere to go during the holiday or make an extra plate for the homeless man that you pass every day on your way to Starbucks?

Do we give just enough of our time, talent or treasure to make sure that we are in His good graces, or do we go out of our way to make sure that we help those who are truly in need?

‘For I was HUNGRY, and you fed me.

I was THIRSTY, and you gave me a drink.

I was a STRANGER, and you invited me into your home.

I was NAKED, and you gave me clothing.

I was SICK, and you cared for me.

I was in PRISON, and you visited me.'

"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?'

And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

(Matthew 25:35-45)

During this holiday season (and for the rest of your days), reach into your heart and find that true meaning of love for others. Find the compassion that lives in each of us and do for others, especially those who may not acknowledge your help or kindness. 

 

Personally, I know that I care SO much about having my 14 foot table, not because I can entertain more, but because there are many people in my life that I feel can benefit from a home cooked meal and good company around that table.

We may not all be blood sitting sharing that meal, but that united bond will carry us through tough times and remind us that it is waiting for us whenever we need it. 

So this holiday, please look around for the love and kindness you can share within your life, even the smallest of gestures. Sometimes, those are the ones that truly mean the most.