A Call to Divine Service #2002

A Call to Divine Service In the quiet contemplation of "Who is my neighbor?" the echo of the Good Samaritan’s journey resounds. The answer lies not in mere proximity but in the essence of our hearts’ capacity to love. To serve a neighbor is to serve God, a profound truth that beckons us to labor with compassion and empathy. We tread the paths of ancient parables, where mercy was shown in the unlikeliest of places. The commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves shines as a beacon, lighting our way through the shadows of indifference. It is a call to embody the spirit of Christ, who sought out the lost sheep of Israel, preaching the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. Among the homeless, the baptized wanderers, sixty percent bear the mark of faith yet struggle against the tides of life. Their plight is a silent cry, a testament to the fragility of human existence and the enduring need for compassion. These souls, already touched by the waters of baptism, roam in search of a tangible manifestation of God's love. The words of Zechariah whisper through time, urging us to pasture the flock doomed to slaughter. This call is not just a duty but a divine invitation to protect, to nurture, and to save. It is in this sacred service that we find our true purpose. Every face we encounter, every soul in need, carries the image of God. In serving them, we serve the Divine. The kingdom of heaven, ever so near, is glimpsed in acts of love and mercy. Through our hands, our hearts, and our deeds, we bring this kingdom closer to reality. Thus, in every crossroad, in every plea for help, we hear the eternal call: to love our neighbor, to serve with grace, and to live out the gospel in the tangible actions of our lives. In doing so, we not only answer the question of who our neighbor is but also affirm our place in the divine tapestry of creation. -Steven G. Lee (June 28, 2024)