faith in action Idea of the week - Smile and wave
Today’s readings take us back to the basics, inviting us to reflect honestly on our deepest priorities in life.
In today’s Gospel, from Luke, Christ refers to the struggle to put Him above all else as He encounters two “would be” disciples on His way to Jerusalem. “‘Follow me,’” Jesus says to the first man. “But he replied, ‘Lord let me go first and bury my father.’ The other said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” These two want to follow Christ but only on their own terms, only after taking care of some other, more pressing matters (at least in their own minds).
To this, Christ says thanks but no thanks! Following Him requires an unqualified “yes” not a “yes but…” We are called to put Christ and His kingdom ahead of our own plans if we truly wish to be his disciples and to find victory in the battle of selfishness.
Living stewardship as a way of life can go a long way in arming us for victory. Stewardship living provides us with a custom-made “training plan” – the commitment to a specific offering of our "me, talent, and treasure to the Kingdom of God. It is a plan discerned through prayer and by looking at the realities of our unique circumstances, strengths, and limitations. The daily discipline of committing to the plan strengthens us and helps us gradually move away from the “yes, but” attitude and towards an unqualified “yes!” to Christ and His will.
Do not be afraid to give the best of yourself and your gifts to Christ. He deserves nothing less. And this way of life, while challenging, will be characterized by a joy and peace that only comes from living for Him.
COVID-permitting, the Catholic Center would like to restore its full hours of operation, 11:00am – 8:00pm Monday through Friday, starting on October 1st. But for that to happen, we need to have enough VOLUNTEERS at the front desk to fill all the shifts! These shifts can be daytime or evening, for two or three hours depending on the person’s desires, generally once a week. The volunteers are the face of this wonderful ministry. You evangelize by your welcome, your smile and your conversations with people coming for Confessions, for Mass, for a visit to the chapel. Please call Karen Zecha, Volunteer Coordinator at the Mall, 719-573-7364, to volunteer or to seek more information.
St. Paul staffs the Soup Kitchen on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month (also the 4th when there are 5). If you can find time in your schedule to volunteer, please contact Nancy Daly at 719-635-7087.
Marian House Marketplace is a shopping format food pantry. Volunteers are needed to support the operation of the pantry and also warehouse duties.p
Shifts Mondays-Wednesday-Fridays, 1:15pm to 3:15pm or 3pm to 5pm. Assist with shopping, client intake, and checkout. Warehouse duties, sorting, stocking and stowing have flexible shift possibilities Mondays-Fridays.
For more information call the Volunteer Office Help Desk at 719-866-6559 or email: [email protected] or visit www.ccharitiescc.org/donate/volunteer