Today is the last day of the Year in the Catholic calendar. The Scripture reading for today is like a review of the past year in terms of our reaching out to others.
In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus says if you didn't reach out to those in need you didn't reach out to him. He mentions the thirsty, hungry, naked, the stranger and those in prison.
How can we do what he asks of us?
The paper today if full of articles about food pantry's. Alot more people have lost their jobs. It looks like more to come.
Brokaw paper mill =445 workers.
Closing Rothschild mail sorting plant=155 workers.
Black Friday is coming. It encourages us to spend $ or be not with it. Instead we could give a gift certificate of our time and talent to someone. I am sure a lonely person would appreciate our visit. I would appreciate time with my friends, much more valued than a present.
Ministry Saint Clare's has Clare's closet in the Emergency Department which accepts clothes to be used for patients who come to the hospital ill prepared to go home without proper clothes. If any of us came to the hospital and had our clothes cut off, or had a procedure that our clothes do not fit, I am sure we would appreciate something appropriate to wear home.
Visiting the sick is possible as a volunteer at both Medical facilities. Or perhaps you can volunteer from your church to visit those who are home bound. Take meals on wheels or volunteer to provide rides to those need. the volunteer section in the paper has many ideas on how to reach out to others.
Most of us have the opportunity to work with persons from a culture other than our own. It is an opportunity to reach out, help the person feel welcome and to learn something about their culture and customs. Extending ourselves to them.
As we end the year and start the season of preparing remembering Christ's coming we can take a few moments and look to how we have and can reach out to others.
As you volunteer/reach out to others you will be surprised to find you gained more than you realized.
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