By Fr. Glenn Jones:
We are often amazed (and no less often humbled) by people who are willing to give of themselves to others, whether in material support or, often more impressively, of their very valuable time. And it can seem that those who are busiest are the ones most willing to give, much like the poor often support charities and their churches more generously income percentage-wise than those who are more comfortably well off.
But really … what is of more worth than giving someone in real need a hand up? Are such persons not the most cherished in our memories when we have been the one needing support, especially when all seemed hopeless? And then they were the lifeline that appeared from nowhere, perhaps completely unexpected.
Such came to mind while reviewing the Gospel for the Catholic Mass this weekend—the story of the synagogue official Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-43). Being connected with the synagogue, Jairus would have been a rather important man and no doubt had the respect of the whole community, but the acute illness which had his cherished daughter near death brought him to his knees before Jesus the wandering preacher, begging Him to heal her. Jesus goes with him to his house, and though Jairus’ daughter had died in the interim, Jesus takes her by the hand with the words, “Talitha, cumi”, an Aramaic phrase meaning “Little girl, I say to you, arise” … and the girl’s life is restored. Even after two millennia, the relief and joy the reader feels is almost palpable.
Some will disbelieve the account, but even the non-Christian will recognize that the message remains firm: to assist those in desperate need is one of the best and rewarding things that we can do. After all, when we work only for our own benefit, ignoring the needs of others, are we not misers in the way of charity … lacking in basic human compassion … almost failing in our humanity. Even many animals have apparent concern for each other, but sometimes they seem more compassionate toward one another than we, who claim to be the highest of material beings, are to one another.
As mentioned above, we are often humbled (and sometimes no little shamed) by the readiness of many persons to leap to the assistance of not only friends, but even total strangers when they see a need. In the Christian faith, such charity and readiness (or the opposite) may differentiate the true believers from those who give lip service to the faith. Or, in non-Christian circles, or those not motivated by any faith, these differentiate the charitable from the self-seeking. Of course, we cannot ourselves judge; we may not be cognizant of limitations or obligations of others which may prevent them doing more than they otherwise would—caring for relatives, jobs, etc. Therefore, we are left much to our own introspection: am I doing what I truly can do … using my time and resources to the greatest overall benefit … not necessarily for myself alone, but doing “the best-est for the most-est”, as the saying goes?
The Christian’s thoughts go to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21), and, of course, that very blunt and plain teaching of Jesus that whenever we help (or don’t) those in need, we help (or don’t) Jesus Himself—the selfish, non-helping sort He condemns in the strongest of terms. (cf. Matthew 25:31-46) We Christians believe that God’s gifts are provided for all, and thus when we hold back from those in true need, we are not only neglecting our human duty, but neglecting God’s own children, whom we all are.
Priests and ministers are often at the bedsides of the sick and the dying, and we don’t hear many lament: “Oh, I wish I would have made more money for a more lavish lifestyle!” But, often, it’s more like wishing to have been more generous to the poor and those in need, to spend more time with family and friends, etc. So, tell me … who among us will NOT be passing away in the next few years? Anyone? Is it not wise, then, to realize what we will find of greatest worth … to learn from others the sorrows (or joys) at the end of life? After all, how much junk, how many trips, how much luxury do we need … especially when so many have so many difficulties? Is our defense in the end to be: “Well … I got mine!!”? Not exactly a praiseworthy epitaph.
How much more admirable … how much simply more classy! … to give of ourselves to assist the needy, whether in material or spiritual help. O Christian, are we not to emulate Our Lord, “ … who came not to be served, but to serve, and [even] to give His life for the ransom of many”? (Matthew 20:28) And He did not just say, but He did … in all His works in His life, most especially in His crucifixion—giving His all for us.
This is the Father’s will for us, that we believe in, and thus emulate and imitate the works, of His Son—not counting the cost, but giving of our very selves for others whenever we can … as He did. Want to be brothers and sisters of Jesus? How does He say to do that? “ … whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:50)
So, when we see those who are knocked down in life, let us go to them, extend that helping hand, assuring mutely with hearts and actions: “Little one, I say to you…arise.”
Editor’s note: Rev. Glenn Jones is the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.
