by Fr. Justin Fulton
This weekend, we will honor and mourn the lives of American heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in dying for the cause of freedom. Memorial Day. As we pause to celebrate the reality that there are causes worth dying for, perhaps Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity for an examination of our own consciences.
Do I sacrifice daily? Do I think of others before myself always? What or who would I die for? How do I emulate Jesus and His Sacrifice? Do I know Jesus in the face of the poor?
I remember fondly going out to the cemeteries with my family on Memorial Day. We would visit our neighbor Alvin DeBuhr, a World War II and Korean War vet. My dad, a Vietnam vet, and my mother would pick newly-flowered peonies in our yard and Mr. DeBuhr’s yard. Shortly thereafter, we would load up in the station wagon and head to Sheridan Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery to make our visits and pay our respects to loved ones and townspeople who had served.
Recently, a homeless veteran came to our offices at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska at 22nd and O streets in Lincoln. He didn’t have any shoes. He came in to request a clothing voucher so he could get some shoes and clothes at our St. Louise Gift & Thrift. He met with our employee Veronica Hotovy and requested the voucher.
Veronica talked with this man and she could tell he was distraught. He was crying and a bit threatening and belligerent as well. Veronica observed he wasn’t only suffering physically. This man was suffering emotionally, spiritually, and mentally as well.
Veronica gave him a clothing voucher. As she gave him the voucher, the man said he had something for Veronica, and reached into a pocket. Admittedly, Veronica was a bit alarmed and became scared.
However, the man pulled out a rosary that was given to him by his mother. The rosary was nearly 100 years old, he said. The man wanted to give it to Veronica as a thank-you, but Veronica politely refused and stated he should keep it so he could remember his Mom and His Blessed Mother, Mary. He did and he went along his way.
Veronica and the staff at St. Louise Gift & Thrift were humbled to help someone who has helped us—that veteran. Sadly, there are many veterans who are homeless, physically stricken, emotionally pained, and mentally hurt. It is our prayer that the Light of Christ may shine on their lives and souls so that His peace may reside in them. May we all remember we are called to be the Light of Christ on this earth.
Thank you for honoring and praying for those who have given and sacrificed for our freedoms. And thank you for sacrificing your prayers and monetary gifts so that we may be able to help some of them through the work of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska.
May God bless and Mary keep you all!
