Local Service in Your Church Community

Going to church is something many people do. But in order for your life to be full you need to do more than just attend. You have to get involved. One of the best lines I've ever heard related to this has to do with how we create real change in our lives. The expression is "You can't think yourself into right living; you have to live your life into right thinking."

There is much truth in this. We often fail to see it because we are too often obsessing over our concerns and needs. That leads to a lot of projection into the future, much needless worry and often fear that limits our actions. When you are worried and afraid you tend to stick to what you know. That makes it hard to step out in faith and take action, especially in areas where you feel reluctant. However, God is inviting you to participate. Who knows what meeting someone new might lead to? Sharing some time with another, listening and encouraging them, can be just the medicine your soul needs. You help them, as well. Maybe it lifts some mental or emotional burden on their part. Or perhaps you help them with a basic necessity, such as a ride, a meal, or just a helping hand.

After early mass this morning I went to our parish hall and enjoyed a tasty breakfast served up by the men in our local Knights of Columbus Council. These men do a lot for the people in our community. Today's breakfast was a fundraiser for the upcoming Christmas party they will hold for local children. I was certainly satisfied with the eggs, red and green chile, hashbrown potatoes and tortillas, but it was even more gratifying to know that these men are doing a good service.

It usually doesn't require special theological training to step in and help with various ministries in your parish. I like to read and study scripture, and my years in radio broadcasting have helped me cultivate a strong speaking voice. It's a natural extension of that job experience to be a reader/lector at mass. Whenever I have that opportunity it also makes me feel more involved in church. There are many others who are Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, choir members, ushers and so on. The participation is needed to meet the needs of our church community. But it also gives you a great opportunity to minister in a very real way with others. One to one interaction is a powerful way to carry a message. And a message is more powerfully carried by the example of your actions.

At the breakfast I sat down with a couple of gentlemen I didn't know and we had a delightful conversation. It turned out that one man, Ernest, had spent many years as an educator, both here in New Mexico and also helping with many Latin American schools. He'd been a teacher at various levels, an administrator and a consultant. This was serendipitous. I am in my first year as a full-time teacher, a new profession that I've been training for these past two years. I enjoyed hearing about his experiences. If I had not taken the action to attend the breakfast after mass I would not have met these men.

I hope you are reaching out to others with the love that God has placed in your hearts. Jesus extends an invitation. He says, "Follow me." Where is he leading? The Gospels give us some insight. Jesus traveled about and spent time with many people of all types. He spoke, dined, healed and prayed. He was involved.

Where are you headed today? Think about it...but then do something.