Change for Jesus

Details: 04 October 2013

How many times have we heard the parable of the rich man, clothed in purple, with the poor man Lazarus lying outside his home? "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores" (Lk 16:19-20). Most of us are aware of what happens to the rich man and Lazarus in the parable.

In addition, the majority of us most likely do not identify with either the rich or poor man, not having a tremendous amount of disposable wealth, but at the same time are not homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

None of us want to live lives like Lazarus, but do not want to end up like the rich man after he died, either.

The nagging question then is, ‘How do we help those in need?’ - according to our means, of course.

Earlier this year, while shopping at a local grocery store, I ran into a young couple with children doing exactly the same. I remember saying hello to the wife and mother inside and was pleasantly surprised greeting her and her husband outside in the parking lot.

Soon afterward, I received a nice card in the mail with $16 and the words, "Dear Father Kubat: Hi there! I just spoke with you at the grocery store … I felt from the moment I saw you that I should give you the change from our groceries – I’m sorry I didn’t! I just wasn’t quite sure how to do it. Anyway, even though it may be belated, I hope this helps whoever it is meant to help!"

She signed it by saying "With love and prayers." Could any words be truer? This generous act was done after prayer and with love. Only when someone loves God can they love their neighbor, especially the ones who are in need.

Not too long before receiving this card in the mail, I received another one from a couple with a cash donation in thanksgiving for having helped a friend in a desperate situation. They wrote that in addition to helping their friend financially, "CSS gave her hope."

I would like to thank these two couples, who have one thing in common – Faith in God that is alive – Faith which has an effect on how their lives are lived. Not dead faith, which has no effect on how life is lived. As I reflect on these two couples I am reminded that in reading the lives of the saints, they all have two things in common: an intense love of Jesus in the Eucharist, and of His presence in the poor and needy. I am certain that it is the same for these two couples.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all of our donors who assist us spiritually with their prayers and penances, materially with items not needed around their homes and farms including vehicles, and financially with cash donations, according to their means, including their change for Jesus!