Galatians 6:2-5
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.
All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride.
For all must carry their own loads.
In reviewing my notes about what we learned during the conference with Father Corapi, a lot of the seven themes overlap. Hence, some of the things I discuss may sound familiar. If you truly take human dignity and respect to heart, it spills over into every aspect of our lives, whether taking a stand in the pro-life movement, caring for the sick and homeless, or speaking out against government policies that slowly chip away our rights.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities–to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
This scripture serves as a reminder of humility, as well as our responsibilities in helping others.
An amazing example of helping others in need? Our Blessed Mother Teresa.
She truly needs no introduction from me, but I always love to read and learn more about her. As a young Yugoslavian girl, she answered the call to the religious life at the age of 17. She was particularly interested in missionary work, and joined the Sisters of Loretto. She began her life as a nun by teaching in a high school in Calcutta, India.
After contracting tuberculosis in 1944, she was sent to Darjeeling for rest. During the train ride there, she receieved her ‘call within a call’ – to go and work with the poorest of the poor, actually living among them.
She went on to found the Missionaries of Charity, which grew from twelve member to thousands serving the poor in 450 centers all over the world. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1979, and denounced the ceremonial banquet. Instead, she asked that $6,000 dollars be donated to the poor in Calcutta, allowing her to feed them for a year.
Waiting for others to take up the charge to help others? This quote leapt out at me as I read some of her writings this week:
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
Have a favorite saint on your mind? Love a particular Scripture and want to share it with the world? Join in, link up, and let us all learn from you, too!
Wonderful post this morning. When we see something that needs to be done do it. The smallest things mean so much to someone in need. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for being a loyal participant.
My post for this week fits in with yours! Saint Jeanne Jugan did all she could to preserve the dignity of the Aged!
I love Blessed Teresa, but of course, who doesn’t? lol! I didn’t know that she denounced the ceremonial banquet when she won the Nobel Prize! Good for her for using some of the money to feed the poor.
Thanks once again for hosting this link-up!
I learned that when I was researching this post, and loved it!
Off to read about St Jeanne.
I’ve also heard one of her quotes – something along the lines of charity begins at home. I KNOW that describes you, fellow mom of many. Look at all the people you give to, on a daily and even HOURLY basis. Don’t count yourself short.
You may have been ‘missing’ from church, but God’s not missing from you. He knows your heart, and will patiently wait for you. We love you, D.