Jesus is in our midst

You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you:

Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Those familiar words come from the prophetMicah (6:8), a clear-sighted statement of the essentials of faith in how we live our lives. But putting them into practice is not always simple.

Balancing the many competing claims of justice for individuals, communities, and nations; knowing what is truly good for oneself and others in concrete decisions when choosing one good means sacrificing others; and being humble without surrendering our stewardship to use the gifts God has given to lead and to be visible in the Lord’s service like a lamp on a lampstand to give light to others (Matthew 5:15) – these are not always easy or obvious choices. We pray therefore for discernment, to truly know what is just, good, and humble.

Last week, I helped serve a meal at Place of Hope for the homeless in our community. Actually, thanks to Deacon Joe and the Social Concerns committee’s work, I did next to nothing, as there was a strong and dedicated group there who stepped into every role of service with grace and good humor.

Some of the faces among the homeless were familiar from seeing them around the community. There were families as well as individuals who had various deficits in their lives, both physical and mental health challenges that led them in different ways to this place and this meal of goulash, mixed vegetables, rolls, Rice Krispie bars, applesauce, and milk or water (I was at the end of the line with the water and think I had only two takers).

Among those serving was a young couple who were observing their first wedding anniversary by spending this time in service and giving of themselves to some of our most vulnerable community members. Others were long-time volunteers in this outreach. Some were part of the OCIA class, preparing for Baptism in 2027, and learning this side of Christian faith and charity.

For me, it was a personal stretch, as I am not always comfortable or capable in that part of ministry. But I felt the tug from Jesus to take part, and I am so inspired by the selfless generosity of so many of our parishioners in this kind of work. Besides Place of Hope there are those who are at the food shelf regularly; serve meals for and teach in our faith formation programs; visit the homebound and hospitalized and those in long-term care with Communion and friendship; those who help with our liturgies, environment, administrative tasks, funeral meals … the list is long and inspiring. And beyond things at the parishes, there are other forms of witness to faith in the broader community, in daily family life, and in prayer.

As we are so often overwhelmed by distressing and discouraging events in our communities and world – unrest, violence, wars, divisions and deceptions, hatred for others in full view – it is important not to lose trust in these words of God given through Micah and lived on in so many positive ways.

If our focus is drawn always to the negative, it can seem like the bad news is the only thing that is real, and goodness is feeble and powerless against it. But Jesus is in our midst, especially in those who bear a share in his Cross, and those who, like Simon of Cyrene, help bear it with him. Look for those moments to keep a healthy perspective, for as St. Paul reminds us, this hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).

And even a plastic cup of cold water, given with a desire for justice, goodness, and humility, is right there in the Gospel.