When the rich young man, who had kept the Commandments of God, was challenged by Jesus to sell some or maybe all he owned and give to the poor and have treasure in heaven, it tells us the man went away sad because he had many possessions. (Mth 19:16-22). One thing seems to be the case, that the man was so "in love" with his possessions or the wealth he had, that he was not willing to let it go though he said to Jesus that he was searching for "eternal life." One aspect of this story that might also be true is that he was lacking in sympathy for the poor and the difficult situation they were in on a daily basis, perhaps struggling to the point of not having much to eat or a permanent and safe place to live. It is clear that Jesus, in contrast had great love and sympathy for the poor, (both materially and spiritually) and sought to help them in whatever way he could. Since we are called to be "Christ-like" in all ways of thought and ac-tion, it is certainly the case that we are called to grow in sympathy for the poor and share the bounty that we have regularly and even sacrificially as we seek the "riches of heaven".
During Lent our "Operation Rice Bowl" gives us the opportunity to be made more aware of some of the real-life stories of some of the poor of the world and grow in our love and care for them not just during the Lenten Season but throughout the year and through-out our lives. I invite you to go to www.crsricebowl.org/week3 and read about Ana and Jose Belen who live in Guatemala with their five children in a community in which malnutrition affects over half of the population there. Given the realities of not having enough resources to provide adequate nourishment for her children, Ana was quoted saying, "I don't want to see my children suffering from hunger". Thank God this project (financed through the generosity of people to CRS) came along." Please go online, read the rest of her story and at the least pray for Ana, Jose and their children and all who are in a similar situation of poverty and ongoing need AND consider helping them through Operation Rice Bowl and what you save up for the rest of Lent. Please plan to return them on Holy Thursday or anytime in the week or so after Holy Thursday. Also consider giving ongoing support to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 5205, Harlan, IA, 51593-4702. Unlike the rich, young man in that Gospel, you will draw closer to the Lord and be happy (not sad as he was) and live in continual hope of the riches of everlasting life!
During Lent our "Operation Rice Bowl" gives us the opportunity to be made more aware of some of the real-life stories of some of the poor of the world and grow in our love and care for them not just during the Lenten Season but throughout the year and through-out our lives. I invite you to go to www.crsricebowl.org/week3 and read about Ana and Jose Belen who live in Guatemala with their five children in a community in which malnutrition affects over half of the population there. Given the realities of not having enough resources to provide adequate nourishment for her children, Ana was quoted saying, "I don't want to see my children suffering from hunger". Thank God this project (financed through the generosity of people to CRS) came along." Please go online, read the rest of her story and at the least pray for Ana, Jose and their children and all who are in a similar situation of poverty and ongoing need AND consider helping them through Operation Rice Bowl and what you save up for the rest of Lent. Please plan to return them on Holy Thursday or anytime in the week or so after Holy Thursday. Also consider giving ongoing support to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 5205, Harlan, IA, 51593-4702. Unlike the rich, young man in that Gospel, you will draw closer to the Lord and be happy (not sad as he was) and live in continual hope of the riches of everlasting life!