Where Will I Turn?

Details: 20 April 2012

Just before the arrest of Jesus, he exhorted His disciples to love one another, "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another"(Jn 13:34-35). Jesus taught us by example by laying His life down for us. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jn 15:13).

Recently a woman called me for help. She had been helping an older friend and neighbor who, after earning an advanced degree, still had difficulty finding a job. For months she helped him as best she could, which included some food and financial assistance. After a while, she realized she needed additional help. She was in over her head. She was thinking, ‘Where will I turn next?’ That is when she called me.

"Father, can you help me?" She immediately thought of Catholic Social Services. "Can we meet to talk about my friend?" After answering in the affirmative, we decided to get together for a meeting with our case management support staff and formulated a plan which included counseling, food, gas cards so he could apply for employment, clothing and help with rent to avoid homelessness while looking for employment. Just yesterday, we think we have found a serious lead on a good job. Please pray to God that this works out!

When I write about specific cases like this, without mentioning names, I like to emphasize that it is only by the grace of God and the generosity of our benefactors that we are able to help those that come to us in crisis, for without God and His chosen instruments, we can do nothing.

Did not Jesus say, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:4-5).

When asking our donors for assistance in my mailings, and letters, I am always careful to first ask for their prayers and penances before material and financial support for without prayer, we would not be able to accomplish anything. Notice that in the above story, I stated, "Please pray to God that this works out (that this gentleman finds employment)!" If all of the individuals who read this column pray that this man finds a job, I am confident that even if this job does not work out, because of these prayers, another will work out.

Please remember that not only we at Catholic Social Services pray for you but many of our clients that come to us for assistance do as well, for many of them know that it is our donors that allow us to help them. It is also our prayer that you, your family continue to have a blessed and holy Easter Season and beyond!!