Soul Scribe

During Lent, we often chose to do penance by depriving ourselves of something that we love, but can live without. I recently received an Operation “Rice Bowl” from Catholic Relief Services. It gives a daily program that is great tool to learn how to use our sacrifices to benefit those in need, especially for families and children.

But how often do we confine this only to Lent? How can we sacrifice daily to help others? How can we be more mindful of our mission to walk with Jesus and be our brother and sister’s keeper?

Now, don’t rush out and don a sackcloth (whatever that is), move to a cave and eat bread and water for the rest of your days (unless you’re so inclined).

Sometimes the problems seem bigger than us. The suffering in the world today is bigger than us. We can’t solve the problems alone, or possibly even ever. But we can make a difference by taking responsibility for our part in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. We must break the barriers between ourselves and those in need. Find ways to help them in a way that preserves their dignity.

Think back to Matthew 27:24 when Pilot washes his hands of the situation surrounding the condemnation of Jesus.

How often do we wash our hands?

It’s simple to say a problem is too big – but it doesn’t mean we can wipe our hands of it and go on with life.

We are called to be God’s people, and that doesn’t mean only when it’s convenient. Jesus called us to be his brothers and sisters, and as a family to care for one another as he cared for us.

“This is the meaning of true love, to give until it hurts,” Mother Teresa said.

Who’s hurting today? Who needs what you have to give?

Not everyone is cut out for the sackcloth, but we are all able to do something. And to do more — prayers, donations, kind words, talents, time, compassion – all of these things make small miracles every day.

Will you wash your hands or offer it to your brother and sister today?

This is part one of an ongoing series on the themes of Catholic social teaching and how to integrate them into our daily lives. Please leave a comment with any insight you’ve gained from this post or thoughts you’d like to share.

When I was a little one, I met Mother Teresa. She attended some kind of presentation at a baseball field. She was in the state to possibly bring the Missionaries of Charity there (which she did, and the sisters are still there today).

I was determined to meet her. My Dad went with me to where she would go to her car.  I wanted to shake her hand – me and a 100 or so others.

I was almost there too – until an adult shoved me out of the way, and another and another and another. By the time my Dad found me, it was too late. She was already in the van to leave.  We made it to the edge of the bleachers as the car slowly exited the field.

As her car drove past, she looked at me and smiled.

So when I say that I met her, it wasn’t anything grand. It was a small acknowledgment. But in that moment, Mother Teresa saw me. And I saw her.

I always felt a special inspiration from her life. Her life is an example for all of us – of humility, service, simplicity, devotion, faith.

Some criticize her for not doing enough. She didn’t try to save the world. She merely took care of a basic need, one at a time.

God doesn’t ask us to do everything. God asks us to do something.

So when I say that Mother Teresa didn’t try to save the world, it means she showed us how to do just that.

By “doing small things with great love,” Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta did what God asked of her and more.

What will you do?

Life hits rough patches for all of us.

When the road turns rough, faith is crucial.  It’s also doubly hard.  When so many things are up in the air, it’s hard to leave things in God’s hand.

Someone reminded me recently of what I already know.  He said “no problem is too great for God.”

Sometimes, you need to hear things you already know.  It keeps you on the path.

And it reminds you that despite all the roughness, there are still bright moments to cherish.

Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will pull love out.

St. John of the Cross

Dream Over

That was the headline for a story on Susan Boyle, the contestant who caught the attention of the world in Britain’s TV talent show – Britain’s Got Talent.  She wasn’t your average – wait, she was your average-looking singer.  She wasn’t this polished, made-up and groomed mega-star like Beyoncé – or whatever she’s calling herself now.

She was a normal person with a God-given talent for singing.  Everyone wrote her off based on her appearance until she started to sing.

Now, I’m a huge reality show fan.  One thing you learn from watching reality TV is that the outer package doesn’t always tell the truth about what’s on the inside.

There’s plenty of great-looking people that I wouldn’t want to be around for one minute.  They need to spend just as much time grooming the inside as they do the outer beauty.

You can’t judge any book by its cover – because you have to ponder the words inside before you know the story.

Just because Susan didn’t win, doesn’t mean her dream is over.  Her dream is using her talent.  And she wants to continue to do just that.  So often nowadays, we must put another down to raise up ourselves.  Susan didn’t win – therefore she lost.  She has no worth.

It’s just not good enough anymore to be talented.  One has to be THE NEXT BIG THING or your dream is over.  It’s not okay to be good and to use your talent in the world.

The pressure that people put on Susan Boyle is unreasonable.  This is an amateur talent contest – she’s not a professional yet.  What about the growth she’s experienced as a singer?

Her voice is extraordinary.  I hope she holds onto that and doesn’t let anyone take away what God gave her – a voice to sing with.

Sing and continue to dream, Susan.  God hears you even when others do not.

God calls us to lead lives of holiness.  Jesus gave the most perfect example with his own life.  But he gave us other examples of holiness in his own mother, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.

Saints are people to whom we can relate, essentially role models for the faithful.  Saints do not forget those of us on Earth.  They follow Jesus’ commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39) even after death.  In following this, saints pray intensely for those of us on Earth.  And thank goodness, because we really need it!

While we ask saints for help, it is by God that our prayers are answered.  Saints help us at the request of Jesus and through God’s power.  When you pray to a saint, you’re not worshiping that saint.  You’re asking for the saint to pray for you and ask God to help you.

God is the one acting in our lives, not the saints.  They’re just the messengers showing us the way to reach the Lord.

He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.

St. Gregory

If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. 

St. Francis of Assisi

Do something good for someone you like least today.

St. Anthony of Padua, 1195-1231

In the end, dear friend, it is always between us and God, not between us and them.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta