If you have watched the wonderful series The Chosen or just watched normal television and have seen the Jesus commercials, there is definitely a new focus on Jesus. It doesn’t matter if you call it a Jesus movement or revolution, it’s good. I believe we should all come together and turn to God! No matter what your faith or spiritual path is, God should be central to your life. For Christians, the cross is a powerful symbol of our faith. It reminds us not only of Jesus’ death, but of His life, and the impact He has in our world today. His death was much more than the ending of a human life; it was a new beginning for all of us. Truly, His love never ends.
Lent begins our journey. Easter commemorates the most wonderful event in the history of mankind – the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As Christians we are all called to have a passion for Christ – to live our faith following His example. But at some point, every Christian asks the question, “Where can I find Jesus?” The answer can be found in Matthew 25 when Christ says: “When you do it for the least of my brethren, you do it for me.” Every time we serve someone in need, we catch a glimpse of His face. We see Him in the faces of little children in need, men with broken spirits, elderly grandmothers and grandfathers.
At one time or another, we all have a “cross to bear” – whether it’s a financial setback, poor health or the loss of a loved one. The Lenten season is a good time to reflect, not only on the crosses we have to bear throughout life, but also on the many blessings that God has given us.
For many of the people we serve, life itself has begun to seem like a burden. When every day is a struggle just to survive, it would be so easy to give up. But so often, in the darkest hour of need, someone extends a helping hand, shining the bright light of Christ into a life that is almost at the breaking point. Over 2000 years after His resurrection, St. Vincent de Paul is continuing Christ’s ministry. In 2022 we provided 255,000 meals, over 26,000 homeless shelter guest nights, and the list could go on and on.
Poverty is hunger and hopelessness, despair and desperation - but there is always hope. We are all called to answer the call for help. Every time we answer that call, we keep hope alive for those in need.
We are all God’s instruments, and we are called to reach out to the least among us. During this Holy Season, we thank you for all you do for St. Vincent de Paul’s mission of serving all of those in need. May God bless you and your family during this Lenten and upcoming Easter Season.
-- Michael J. Acaldo, President & CEO, St. Vincent de Paul Charities