During the past few weeks, as we have drawn closer and closer to the end of the Church year, we have been exhorted to be prepared, to be alert, and to use our gifts well. Today, helped by Matthew 25, 31-46, we get the bottom line: how are we cooperating with God’s abundant grace so that we might to be judged worthy of a place in God’s Kingdom? According to the Gospel, what will count is how we have recognized Christ in each other and how we have served Him by serving those in need.
How do we respond to those in need? The Church has always worked in areas of social justice in order to help the poor, the needy, and the sick. But how does our faith community engage in these areas of service? Are there ways that each of us might become more involved? Will our faith express itself in practical ways this week?
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Speaking of practical ways to live our faith … we want to say “thank you” to all of our St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry ministers. For years, you have provided food to our neighbors in need and you know better than most that the Pantry will close in a matter of days – in order to make way for the new Community Center.
The SVdP team of men and women has worked tirelessly for this important ministry of our parish. It is not uncommon for us to hear from those who come to the Pantry how much they “appreciated being treated as fellow human beings…. and that no one looked down on them because they were in need.” That is a very special compliment to our SVdP team.
We are looking forward to moving into the new Pantry which will be part of the new HC Community Center … where running water and restrooms will be available to the volunteers and visitors alike!
