Aug 2 Sun
How can I help others?
Many times in Jewish history, especially in times of distress, the Chosen people were overwhelmed and unsure whether they would even survive.
We also, because of the constant drag of original sin, can often feel empty inside and worry that we will never have the good things we desire, never really have life.
God promises to satisfy our hunger and thirst for physical and spiritual goods. This is what He promises: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Some say, “We have no need of other persons, and we have no need of God.” These are fictions. Some think it is degrading to consider oneself like a hungry child or a beggar.
It is a fiction that we are not in need, and it is not degrading to be needy. We really are interdependent in the natural world and on other human beings. And we certainly are dependent on God.
It is good that God is just and kind so that we can call upon him with confidence.
By the miracles, Jesus signaled that in the kingdom, people would have their physical needs fulfilled. They will eat and be satisfied for free.
“By freeing some individuals from the earthly evils of hunger, injustice, illness, and death, Jesus performed messianic signs. Nevertheless, He did not come to abolish all evils here below, but to free men from the gravest slavery, sin, which thwarts them in their vocation as God’s sons and causes all forms of human bondage.”
Does sin really thwart one’s vocation as a child of God? Yes. It is the only thing that can separate us from the love of Christ.
Is sin really the cause of every form of human bondage? Yes.
There are many “signs” that we, children of God, can perform with the help of the graces God bestows on us. One group of these is the spiritual works of mercy.
The seven are converting the sinner, instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, comforting the sorrowful, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving injuries, and praying for the living and the dead.
The needs of the body are important, but objectively those of the soul are even more, because, as we have seen, sin is the gravest slavery.
It is good to think about our current situation, the people around us, and their needs. That will reveal the opportunities we have to perform these works of mercy. There certainly are such opportunities in every person’s life.
Among these: “Foster happiness among those around you by cheerfully serving the people you work with and by striving to carry out your job as perfectly as you can, showing understanding, smiling, and having a Christian approach to life. And do everything for God, thinking of his glory, with your sights set high and longing for the definitive homeland, because there is no other goal worthwhile."
Reciprocally, we must receive good counsel and warnings as coming from God.
“Spiritual direction. Don’t object to someone poking at your soul with supernatural sense and holy shamelessness to check how true it is that you are able –and willing– to give glory to God."