Saturday, April 23, 2011

Give Drink to the Thirsty


The Second corporal work of mercy, ‘Give Drink To The Thirsty’ doesn’t immediately strike one as something urgent in our modern society. It is a rare occasion when we are really thirsty. We are never far away from clean water in America. So, what is the importance and meaning of this Corporal Work of Mercy, and how do we practice it?

Firstly, water is very commonplace, and generally not expensive. We tend to take it for granted. But, as we know, water is very important. Our bodies are mostly made of water, and the earth is mostly covered with water. However, simply because water is common does not minimize its significance. Just like many of God’s creations: trees, fresh air to breath, love, grace, birth, death - there is an abundance of them. (Sometimes it requires the loss of something to make us appreciate it properly).

Saturday, April 16, 2011

When Are You Going To Grow Up?

In the gospel of St. Matthew we read: At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18:1-3) Christ was never one to mince words; this is an imperative - our conversion.  Have you ever wondered: what are these childlike qualities He has in mind?  Well, what are the things we most admire in the young?  Here’s what immediately springs to my mind: simplicity, innocence, optimism, obedience.  Awe and wonder.  Faith.

How about "maturity"?