The other day during prayer, I came across a homily of St. John Chrysostom, and it struck me to the core. Part of it reads “…service is not optional for Christians – it is the very expression of faith. Nothing is colder than a Christian who does not care for the salvation of others.” Regarding service, he goes on to say, “You cannot plead poverty, for the widow who gave two small coins condemns you. You cannot plead humble birth, for the apostles were poor and of lowly origin. You cannot plead lack of education, for they too were unlearned. Everyone of us can be useful to our neighbor if we are willing to do what we can.” He continues, but I couldn’t stop thinking about all he said about service.
I am a long-time Rotarian, having been a part of three clubs in three different states, and their motto is “Service Above Self”. That defines their core commitment to put community need above personal gain. All of this, from a civic organization. I have seen this core value practiced in so many ways in each club. The beauty of the club is that all of us are from different faith traditions and we work together well. Imagine that!
The more I thought about it, the more I questioned, ‘Do I, we as Christians, have the same resolve?’ Chrysostom continues to teach that the Eucharist we celebrate must become the service we offer. We cannot truly receive Christ at the altar while refusing to recognize Him in the poor, the lonely, the sick, and the forgotten. “What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices while your brother is dying of hunger? First satisfy his hunger, and then with what remains you may adorn the altar.” Chrysostom is not criticizing beautiful churches; rather, he insists that authentic worship of Christ must overflow into loving service of Christ present in the poor.
Jesus gave us the example of how to live and be for others. Do I keep that in mind daily? Do I use the talents I’ve been given to be of service to others?
During and after a celebration of the Eucharist, am I fully present so that I carry out the message of Jesus to others in whatever way I can? Each of us has something to give and be of service to those in need. What would have happened if the Apostles said to Jesus, ‘It’s impossible; we can’t feed all these people with the little we have’?
Sister Theresita Donach, CSFN
