Human beings have a few basic needs in life:
Food and Water: We need nourishment and hydration to survive.
Shelter: A place to protect us from the elements and provide safety.
Clothing: To protect us from the weather and provide comfort.
In the second Lesson on Sunday September 8, James tells us that if we have faith but don’t have works, will faith save us? He goes on to say if a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet, if you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
In March of 2009, my beautiful daughter Carole, was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. There’s no cure and the family was devastated. Within 2 years my child was gone, leaving 3 children of her own and a husband who was trying to cope. During the last year of her life, as her disease progressed, so did her need for care, as well as my grandchildren’s. How would I care for her and cook meals for the family, do laundry, drive grandchildren to sports, etc. I prayed every day, mainly to save her, because I never lost faith that she would survive, but also for the basic needs to keep this family together.
I was overwhelmed with her care, and trying to maintain some normalcy for my grandchildren. If we have faith but don’t have works, will faith save us? Would faith save me? Well, the community in Crystal Lake had both faith and works. They organized and delivered dinner to the house every evening. Someone was always available to drive to appointments and as my darling child grew weaker, they read to her, prayed with her and helped keep her comfortable. After she passed the dinners went on for 6 months.
My needs were met. In my entire life I never felt so needy, so alone, until this community saved my family. It made me realize that my faith wasn’t enough. I needed to find a way to put that faith to work. When the opportunity arose to lead the Outreach Ministry at St. Simon’s I couldn’t turn it down. The Ministry has grown over the years and has successfully participated in programs in the area that address the underserved. The parish has embraced Outreach and the support has enabled us to seek out more opportunities.
When I am part of St. Simon’s feeding ministries, handing out a hot meal or delivering food to the Wheeling Township food bank, I can’t help but remember how needy my family was during those dark days. I think God is saying now it’s your turn Pat to put your faith to work. And I know my daughter is saying “way to go mom, don’t stop now”.
The Outreach Ministry is one of the ministries supported by your financial donations. Please prayerfully consider your contribution during this Giving Season so that our faith will continue to be put to work.
With grateful heart,
Patricia Grund
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