On Thursday, January 21st    we had a Holy Hour for Life. All who attended commented on the pleasure to be able to pray for the unborn. A big part of the service was quiet time to just pray. We asked Jesus to intercede for the unborn and their parents.

With the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti, many have stepped forward with contributions to help the homeless in that country. The number of people both in this parish and national wide who are helping in some way has been very substantial. Many people have commented how this response is so Christ-like.

In Matthew 26:31-45, Jesus tells the listeners what we will be judged by. He says we will be judged by how we care for others and meet the needs of those who lack the basic necessities of life. Caring for the unborn and helping the people of Haiti are two very real examples right now that we do to live out this teaching of Jesus.

Some have wondered how God could let the earthquake happen in Haiti. God is 100% good; God did not cause this to happen. But in every disaster good can come out of it. By helping these people, we are allowing some good to enter their lives.

Are there ways we can also help people in our own community? Recently we heard about the fire that destroyed the “Pizza Man” restaurant. That fire also left a number of people homeless. A fundraiser was held that raised money for these people. Every now and then we hear of a disaster in our own community and then a way of helping the people involved.

I believe this is what Jesus means when He says we are to care for others and meet the needs of those who lack the basic necessities of life. So many people don’t have what we have or a disaster strikes them and they lack the basic needs. We can and do help; we just need to be aware of these opportune times to help.

Just remember: What we do for others we are doing for Jesus!

Deacon John Stodola