Word for Word 8/23/23

Last week we read the story of Glenn McCune, a reluctant hero. It is a remarkable story of heroism and willingness to sacrifice for others. As I read his story, I was reminded of the people in my life who I consider heroes: those who walked a path of holiness and wholeness. These are the individuals who put their faith, hope, charity and love into action; people who in one way or another were and are Jesus to me.

In Matthew’s gospel Jesus presented a judgment scene to his disciples, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne. … Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’” MT 25:31, 34-36

The path to holiness and wholeness may not be easy, but it is possible for everyone. The way to holiness means we: Carry out the “corporal works of mercy” – Mt 25 above plus sheltering the homeless and burying the dead. Are peacemakers in our relationships and in the world. Serve others and do not count the cost. Live by the Christian principles taught by Jesus and seen in the examples of the saints and our heroes who walk a path of holiness and wholeness. “For the quality of holiness is shown not by what we say but by what we do in life.” – Gregory of Nyssa

Let us pray: Lord, thank you for everyone who has shown me the path of holiness and wholeness. Now help me to be your witness and disciple. Make me your voice, your hands, your ears, your feet, your light and peace in a troubled world. Amen.

Fr. John Moser
St. Patrick Catholic Church Waukon
St. Mary Catholic Church Hanover and Dorchester