Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

"How Did You Love?"

11/14/2013

0 Comments

 
The Scripture readings at this time of the liturgical year focus our attention on the end times. The intentional attempt to guide our thinking and meditation in this particular direction has the potential to create some fear and trepidation within us, or it can lead to a deep sense of hope and a firm desire to be more fully united with our Lord. A reflection question that I was given years ago at a retreat came back to mind today as I pondered the end times. That question was this: “How will I respond at the end of life if I am simply asked, ‘How did you love?’”  

It is a simple question that has generated more questions for me rather than a simple and direct answer. I started close to home. How would my spouse and children answer that question in regard to how I loved them? Did they experience genuine love, care, and compassion from me? Did I set an example for them to follow? Realizing that I had much work to do in this area alone prompted me to stop from reflecting any further. However, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Works of Mercy were still beckoning my attention. Wow! There was no doubt that this was going to be an interesting examination of conscience. (This started out as preliminary study for developing a homily; apparently there needs to be some preaching directed right at myself before proceeding. Ouch!)

I pulled my Bible off the shelf and read the Sermon on the Mount followed by a review of the Ten Commandments. One could obviously spend a huge chunk of time with either one of those passages, but I was prompted to move on to the Works of Mercy for a more specific and direct look at, “How did I love?” The journey through these acts of mercy did not disappoint. I invite you to walk with me in reflecting upon the seven Corporal Works of Mercy. We’ll tackle the Spiritual Works of Mercy another time.

Corporal Works of Mercy 

Feed the Hungry
Share what you have with those who need it. There are folks around the world who need our help. Right now, that would be the people of the Philippines after the typhoon devastated their country. Let’s also not forget the people in our own backyard who need our help. The economic downturn has certainly created a greater need for consistent charity to our local food-banks.

Give Drink to the Thirsty
Share your joy and hope with those whose lives are dry and lonely. Fresh drinking water is badly needed in many parts of the world and there are ways we can monetarily help in alleviating these dire conditions. There are also many people right here at home who are thirsting for love and companionship. Can we quench their thirst by the gift of our time and our love?

Clothe the Naked
Are we standing up for those who are the most weak and vulnerable? Are we providing clothing and other essentials for daily living? Furthermore, are we also providing advocacy to help rectify any systemic issues that need to be addressed?

Shelter the Homeless
Are we physically sheltering the homeless? In addition to simply providing physical shelter, how do we reach out to the unloved and the unpopular people of society? Do we have a way of making everyone welcome in our hearts? Do we recognize Jesus in the poor and the homeless?

Visit the Imprisoned
Due to all the security restrictions at prisons, it isn’t easy to visit the imprisoned in modern times. However, there is a definite need for the Church community to reach out to these individuals. If we can’t physically visit the criminally imprisoned, are we visiting those locked up in their homes by fear, age, or sadness?

Visit the Sick
Are we present when people around us need our care and attention? Do we see it as a privilege to serve others in their time of need?

Bury the Dead
Do we remember with love and respect those who are separated by distance or death?

How have I loved? I don't know about you, but it is clear that I have a lot of  work to do. Fervent prayer and an abundance of God's grace and mercy are desperately needed. This examination of conscience has generated a healthy dose of reality into my world. 

This exercise has prompted me to ask yet another question that will have to be reflected upon at another time: “What treasure really is hidden most deep in my heart?”

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.