October 2022 – Call to Family, Community and Participation
It’s a comforting thought to remember that at no point does God call us to figure things out on our own. Not only is He here, He is near. It’s more sobering, however, to recognize that it’s in community that He often reveals His purpose and provision. If we’re honest, many of us prefer to go it alone, pitching in where we can, sure, but moving ahead more quickly without the weight of others’ baggage.
It’s this very baggage, however, where we are invited to unpack blessing. In joining our hearts and service with others for the benefits of others – in our own families and communities – we are uniquely blessed. How we organize our society directly affects human dignity and the ability of every human to grow in community.
For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:4-8
Sovereign and gracious Father,
The unthinkable not only can happen, but it so often does. We had hoped our days would be different at this point, but new confusions, difficulties and anxieties continue to emerge for so many of our neighbors and communities. We know that You, however, are not a God of confusion or fear. Instead, we praise You as the one who has given us a spirit of power, love and discipline. Help us gather our hearts and thoughts as we organize our lives to serve those You put before us. Empower us with desire and equip us with strength of mind and ability in these divine assignments.
- Send Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh the provision to serve those You bring to us
- Compel more and more people to join us in support of our communities
- Teach us to serve You in joy
- Let us recognize Your image in the face of every person before us.
Amen.