Answering the call

As the American Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Katharine Drexel today, I am reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday” (Isaiah 58:10). God promises when we pour ourselves out for the needy, he will bless us. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that giving to the poor is going to make you rich, famous and successful in the world’s eyes. But when we please the Lord—isn’t that blessing enough? Think about St. Katharine—she had it all as the daughter of a successful Philadelphia banker—wealth, status and security. But instead of living a lavish lifestyle, she took a vow of poverty and devoted her time and wealth to the marginalized and poor minority members of society and left a lasting legacy by founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Father Christian (left), who works with Cross Catholic Outreach ministry partner FUNDASEP in the Dominican Republic, has answered God’s call to reach out to the hurting.

Father Christian (left), who works with Cross Catholic Outreach ministry partner FUNDASEP in the Dominican Republic, has answered God’s call to reach out to the hurting.

Even though most of us don’t have the financial resources of St. Katharine, we certainly can follow her example. When I think about Cross Catholic Outreach’s missionary partners who are answering Christ’s call to take care of the needy, it inspires me follow their examples of dedicated service. Many of them have given up everything to answer the call of God on their lives—how inspiring! And you know what? Each and every one of them would tell you they’ve gained far more than they lost.

What has God called you to do for someone in need today? It may be as simple as reaching out to your next door neighbor, or praying for a Cross Catholic Outreach missionary partner. Whatever it is, I can promise you one thing–it will be worth it!

-Catherine M.