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?

Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.

We need silence to be able to touch souls.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)