by Fr. Justin Fulton
Back in October, I had the chance to celebrate a Mass for my family at my uncle’s farm in Nemaha County. It is always a treat to be able to feed the flock that fed me. It’s an honor to be able to give Christ to everyone, especially my family.
At the beginning of Mass my 4-year-old niece Cecelia was proud of me in front of her aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. I heard her whisper to some extended family, “That is my uncle up there.” She was smiling so proudly.
And then the homily came seven minutes later... she then whispered to the same family member, “I’m really bored.” Yep, CeCe—You probably weren’t the only one who was bored! Thank you for reminding me that my homilies can give folks an opportunity to zone out and snore!
CeCe’s words really describe the human experience. Sometimes we are all-in... and then we get tired. We lose motivation. And then we are all-out. We run out of gas. We need inspiration. We need help. We need a hand-up. We need re-invigorated.
Frankly, we all need Jesus all of the time.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska provides that motivation, inspiration, and the love of Jesus in our outreach throughout the state. Our clients come to us hungry, worn, deprived, and weary. We provide a hand-up to help people realize their innate human dignity. We let them know they are cared for and are important. We are Jesus to them.
Throughout the pandemic we have received worn faces and with Jesus’ love we have turned those concerned faces into happy, warm smiles. With continued food distributions, food pantries, emergency cash assistance, shelter at St. Gianna Women’s Homes, counseling services, and our low-budget thrift stores CSS has been there to help “fill the bucket” of folks so they can start living greatly again.
We take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing us to be Christ in this world. Without your prayers and financial support, we could not continue to do what we have been entrusted by God to do: provide hope and help to our neighbors of southern Nebraska.
As new life springs forth during this beautiful time in Nebraska, please remember that some need your prayers, your help, and your smiles. We can share new life by simply smiling, praying, and living out our Baptismal promises we made to Jesus. May we re-invigorate each other with the love of Jesus Christ!
Thank you for being apostles of hope and compassion. May God bless us always!
