Mission

http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/what-is-ignatian-spirituality

As I write this blog, I am anxiously awaiting my very first “mission” trip with teens from our parish.  We leave first thing Monday morning and have two days of serving the people of God in Cincinnati.  I already feel like this is not enough and I have not even packed my bag!  I have been drawn to this type of work since I was little, but here I sit; 51 years old and finally have the courage to venture beyond my backyard to serve God’s people. When I was reaching out to teens to join this mission experience, I thought of looking up the definition of the word mission.  Here is what Google has to say: mis·sionnoun1.  an important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes, typically involving travel. "a trade mission to Mexico" synonyms:  assignment, commission, expedition, journey, trip, undertaking, operation

2.  the vocation or calling of a religious organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the world and spread its faith.  "the Christian mission"

synonyms:  vocation, calling, goal, aim, quest, purpose

I shared with teens that “we will embark on an important assignmentof helping those in need  . . . spreading faith not by word but by our action!”

In looking back on these words, I realize that to me, mission is more of a verb rather than a noun.  It is the action of being the hands and feet of Christ and carrying out his call to be a servant to others.  Our scripture study group has been talking about service to others as we have studied the Gospel according to Mark.  Mark continually shows us that Jesus lived out his love of the Father by serving others even to death.  Jesus calls us to honor the Father in both our words and deeds. 

Please keep our group in your prayers this week as we join 35 others and travel to Cincinnati.  Know that we will pray for the good people of Saint William and together let us remember that we are called to be a light to each other and to the world.

Shalom,

Tina

Corporal Works of Mercy

From the Heart . . .

During these past cold, blustery winter mornings, I have found my thoughts turning to the homeless.  Where do they find shelter and warmth?  This brings to mind the corporal works of mercy. I am sure that the beds at Warren Mission have been filled to capacity these past few weeks as they shelter the homeless.

 One night last week on my drive from the Parish to my home in Warren, I noticed bags hanging all along the rod iron fence in front of City Hall.  I came to find out that an organization put together a hat and glove drive; placed the items in clear Ziploc bags and hung them around the city for the needy to keep warm.  Would this thoughtful work of mercy fall under the call to clothe the naked?  I think so!

One month ago, teens and parents from our parish prepared and served lunch at the St. Vincent DePaul Dining Hall.  It was cold that morning as well, and I can’t help but think of the guests who will be standing in line during these unseasonably cold days waiting for those doors to open in order to receive a nice warm meal.  I learned that it was quite an honor to feed the hungry.

Always ahead of his time, Jesus gave us simple tweets to live by:

#feedthehungry #clothethenaked #shelterthehomeless #visittheimprisoned #careforthesick #givedrinktothethristy #burythedead

Shalom,
Tina