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October 31, 2019"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. … Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:35-40
The Greek word for “Thanksgiving” is “Eucharista,” translated to “thankfulness” or “giving of thanks.” In Holy Mass, Catholics celebrate a true thanksgiving meal through the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving is an annual reminder not only of the freedom for Catholics to practice their faith, but the obligation to seek out ways to be Jesus to others in need.
The Corporal Works of Mercy provide a model for how to treat others and respond to the basic needs of humanity.
Throughout the archdiocese, local parishes and community outreaches provide additional resources for those in need during the holiday season.
Patrick Raglow, director of Catholic Charities in Oklahoma City, said while giving thanks as a country and faith community to God for his rich blessings, it is important to remember those who they serve.
Raglow said the idea of applying the Corporal Works of Mercy, not only in daily life, but especially around holidays is a “beautiful construct.”
“Loving our neighbor is always more concrete and real and physical than loving humanity in the abstract. Our neighbor might park in the wrong place, play their music too loud, they might have voted for the wrong candidate, they might be addicted, have mental issues, homeless or indigent, might not have showered or have mannerisms that can be off-putting, but they are within arms’ reach,” he said.
“Saint Theresa challenged us to not only bring Jesus to them but serve Jesus in their person. We use the Corporal Works, whether the need is a shower, clothing, shelter, or, as is often the case at thanksgiving, a meal.”
Raglow said some people think they have to share a huge amount of their blessings to make a difference, but that is not the case.
“It might be five loaves and two fish, a Snicker’s bar, a couple dollars. When we share our blessings, in every case, they are multiplied.”
Noreen Valadez, archdiocesan council president of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and parishioner of Saint Andrew in Moore, said it’s important to remember those struggling.
Valadez said people who were struggling to pay high electric bills with the summer months suddenly find they cannot manage those payments anymore. Their inability to pay in November and December often means having their electricity or gas cut off right around the time it starts to get cold outside.
She said the best way people can help their local parish is to “put money in the poor box.”
Ideas for Corporal Works of Mercy:
- Feed the hungry: In addition to donating to food pantries or volunteering to serve food, consider your own food habits – are you buying too much food and letting some go to waste? Can you minimize eating out to save money to donate to those who have less than you?
- Give drink to the thirsty: You can help with this basic need by conserving water use. Donate to programs that help build water wells for people in need. Parents and coaches invite groups of children to donate bottled water.
- Shelter the homeless: In addition to donating time or money to organizations that provide shelter, consider using your talents to make warm blankets. Pray for the millions of children and families fleeing from war or other unsafe conditions.
- Visit the sick: Consider spending time at a nursing home, make extra food and deliver it to someone who would benefit from a meal, offer to give a break to caregivers so they can get rest. Encourage children to make cards or art projects for the sick or elderly.
- Visit the prisoners: Get involved with prison ministry, volunteer or donate to a charity that gives presents to children whose parents are in prison. Learn about organizations that offer support to grandparents raising grandchildren.
- Bury the dead: Attending funerals shows support for those who are grieving. In addition to praying for the souls of the departed, you could send a card to loved ones, visit the cemetery to pray for the souls of the departed or even spend time planning your own funeral mass.
- Give alms to the poor: This year, skip the morning latte and donate the money saved. Think of ways you spend money that could be better used donated to help the less fortunate. Donate clothes and unused items and encourage others to donate theirs.
