Fr. Glenn: How Can I Help?

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

Those who have been part of a church, charity or just about any community organization know that the organizers and leaders are always looking for help for various projects, leadership roles, etc. Frequently people say to pastors: “I know I should help, but I just don’t feel called to do such and such particular role.” And that’s fine; few are skilled in, or have the aptitude/personality for, every role. The introvert may not be good at contacting people, or the extrovert fit for sitting quietly to work patiently on a tedious but necessary project. But almost always there’s some way that all can assist.

We might think of ants and termites, which are proverbially known for their industriousness—building great colonies and structures even though individually they are but tiny fragile creatures.  Even with these there is specialization: foragers for gathering, soldiers for defense, nursery attendees for nurturing the young, and, of course, the queen who produces future generations. The soldiers are poorly equipped for foraging, foragers less effective at defending the colony.  And yet, working together they construct great things.

All the more meritorious is cooperative work when such involves increasingly greater personal sacrifice. I recall speaking with a (sometimes seemingly rare) politician who sincerely desired to better the condition of his fellow citizens, and Mankind in general, rather than be like many who pursue power, notoriety and wealth in self-interest. After all, the sincere politician, even in campaigning, sacrifices his quiet life, possibly a lucrative and fulfilling career, comfortable and peaceful lifestyle with family and friends, to subject himself to the harangue of often baseless criticisms (and even outright lies, especially in these days of social media). But in considering any work contributing to greater society, we all need make a realistic evaluation of our own abilities and ask ourselves: “Where can I contribute most to furthering the greater good?”

This came to mind this weekend in one of the Mass readings: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord…To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

While St. Paul wrote this in a religious context, we know well by human experience that every person possesses his own gifts, and no person has all gifts. A mathematician may be mystified when trying to fix a household appliance, while the handyman he calls to assist may be perplexed at equations on the mathematician’s blackboard. And yet, like each ant in a colony, each contributes to the good of the whole of society.

A beautiful exposition of this theme is in the book of Sirach—included in most Bibles as either a divinely-inspired text (Catholic and Orthodox), or as a non-inspired yet edifying book of wisdom/apocrypha (most Protestants). Speaking of those who practice trades and work the land rather than be more notable and/or academic: “All these rely on their hands, and all are skillful in their own work. Without them no city can be inhabited, and wherever they live, they will not go hungry. Yet they are not sought out for the council of the people, nor do they attain eminence in the public assembly. They do not sit in the judge’s seat, nor do they understand the decisions of the courts; they cannot expound discipline or judgment, and they are not found among the rulers. But they maintain the fabric of the world, and their concern is for the exercise of their trade.” (Sirach 38:31-34).

Yet, anyone can get his hands a little dirty in lesser, or even menial, chores to contribute to any organization formed for furthering the good.  It’s said that, even though world famous for her work, and having been celebrated by and with presidents, royalty and rulers, Mother Teresa would nonetheless ask to clean bathrooms of convents she visited so as to remember, and try to live, in humility and humble service to others.

Now we can always find excuses not to help. But charity necessarily requires sacrifice, and love seeks to assuage the pain or insufficiency of the other. And, as we read: “The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully…not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always…provide in abundance for every good work…You will be enriched in every way for great generosity…” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11) Consider the teacher who inspires the person who goes on to do great things. Or the hungry youth assisted by a generous benefactor, and who then is inspired to become successful and benefactor to many others. If we all retreated into our own comfortable shell, the seed would not be planted … the field of society not cultivated for the harvest that feeds many.

Christians, of course, look to Jesus for the example of all good things. He certainly sacrificed His time and efforts—and, ultimately, His earthly life—for the good of others—a totality of sacrifice of self like no other. And yet, He also required of His disciples their own efforts. He fed the multitudes only after the apostles had first assisted with meagre contributions of loaves and fish. At the wedding of Cana, the servants filled jars with water before He turned it into wine. He required bystanders to move away the tomb’s stone before raising Lazarus. Likewise, we Christians, then, believe God multiplies our small efforts to do great deeds when such is His will.

So, we need not try to fit a round peg in a square hole; there are plenty of works that may fit “just right”. What you like to do very often may be what you are called to do…and yet, when need arises, we ought be ready to do whatever is needed—an often courageous sacrifice of love for both God and our neighbor, for “…there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

Editor’s note: Rev. Glenn Jones is the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.

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