Serve. Savor Life, 2013

Pray, fast, serve: these are three pillars of Lent. Today, the third foundation, serve.

“The tender mercy of God has given us one another.” – Catherine McAuley

Reflect
Our actions and attitude flow from the depth of our commitment to this simple imperative: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). A life-giving action, and difficult at times, when we serve others, God is mediated in mercy, love, and spontaneous joy that erupts unsought and unbidden. To love is to pay attention to the concerns and circumstances God places in our heart. Love through service heals and transforms.

Think about people and the difficult situations in your life, community, and our world that are known to you, or perhaps hidden and invisible on the margins. What person, population of people, or issue captures your attention and compassion? We don’t have time or resources to do everything; we can do one thing. Are you willing to take the next step in order to offer compassion in action and make a difference for someone?

Savor
Recall a time when someone offered help or service to you. What was your response? Do you think it is easier to give or to receive?

Today I will savor in my heart … the memory of a time when a person or organization made a difference to me in my time of need.

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