Works of Mercy - Today

Many years ago when living out a very difficult few years of my life the Corporal Works of Mercy remained on my mind almost daily, today as I see society unravel at the seams I find myself floating back to those moments in time where I was the one in need of works of mercy….

The Bible is a constant companion in the life of many Christians, it is the guidepost many use along our journey of life but for me it is much, much more. In January of last year (2011) I found myself in the hospital on the receiving end of a diagnoses from a specialist in oncology, a cancer doctor. I was told that I had pancreatic cancer and that from this moment on my life would never be the same. Well those words were pretty accurate and indeed my life has not been the same. It has become better in so many ways it’s even hard for me to believe at times.

That day took me back to the times in my life when I felt truly alone and unsure of anything - that my life had been one big waste of time - with no meaning and no fruitfulness. For the next few days I sat in that hospital bed wondering just what would happen to me and what would people say. Most I was sure would simply say “Oh, I am so sorry to hear that” and go on about their business. But really, what had I done to cause people to take notice?

Well today I have set that aside and have moved on. I truly believe and embrace the words in Matthew 25 when Jesus talks about serving others less fortunate. I believe that there are so many out there that are in need of a simple loving glance their way that it truly makes me wonder about our very human condition. We as Christians should take a look at our own lives every day and make some choices that would help those around us. I am not talking about sending a check to some organization then patting ourselves on the back for that “Job Well Done,” I am talking about rolling up your sleeves and doing something that might very well have a monumental impact on someone’s life.

“Oh,” but you say “there are so many choices out there that I don’t even know where to start!” Yes, I know what you are talking about. We cannot go back to the check writing thing again.  Have you ever looked in your local newspaper and checked out that social section where they have volunteer opportunities? How about asking your priest about what’s taking place in your parish today, something you might have missed? How about simply telling Him that you wish to help in some area and let Him choose for you?  This one causes me to look back and laugh at myself for ending up on the serving end of a spoon in a homeless shelter one night. Earlier that week I had gone to confession and had been truthful about the way I felt about a certain subject, (no, I’m not telling) and my penance ended up being, “you need to volunteer at a homeless kitchen and find out what’s really out there before you make rash judgments of others…” Well I did just that and that night my eyes were opened like those of the blind man seeing for the first time the world around him. 

In 2010 during the Christmas season I worked with a local Baptist Church handing out gifts to families that could not afford a Christmas for their children and that too was an experience I will never forget. The sight of a child so filled with joy over the simplest things we take for granted moved me to tears many times that day.   I will never be able to repay the joy that my heart felt during those moments. Now in 2012 after working with a local homeless ministry I have launched a Prison Ministry of my own in hopes of bringing these same works of mercy inside the walls of the state’s prisons. In addition to that I have begun a legacy foundation that I pray will aid the terminally ill in losing their fears of death because I believe, even as a cancer patient myself that I will never die. That is just what God has promised me, eternal life and that is what I wish to see others understand. So you see, there are many things that you can do by simply putting your own life experience to work and think of the many you can help today…..

Remember, God gave you this life to live with freedom of choice so please exercise this and choose the things that are pleasing to your Heavenly Father. Your reward in the end will be worth so much and the things you do today will in turn change the lives of many so please, do not be afraid to step up to the plate. I promise that you will love the effects it will have on your life!

Do me a favor, pick up the phone and call your pastor today and ask, “What can I do to make a difference?” I promise he will lead you into a life so filled with wonder you will not ever look back!

I am sure that if you look close enough there is someone in your life today that needs you, needs your help and needs your love. Please step up and be that one that follows along the path that our Savior trod loving those in need and offering a hand up to those who so deserve it, our poor and our suffering….

At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have or by how many great things we have done.

We will be judged by, “I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in, I was sick and imprisoned and you visited me…”

And the King shall say, “Whomsoever has done this for these least brethren of mine you have done for me…”  Amen

Bill K.

February 2012

Cabot, AR