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Be doers…not hearers only
It has been quite a summer. We made it through two political conventions and now are on the road to electing one of the candidates to the office of President of the United States.
Political conventions create mantras and repeated phrases to stir up support for their candidates. There have been some negative ones over the past few election cycles, but we heard one with a scriptural ring this year—“Do something !” The speaker, Michelle Obama, explained how her mother told her children to stop complaining when something was bothering them and do something to be part of the solution to the problem.
Today, in the second reading, James calls us to be “doers of the word, not hearers only.” He asks us to go out into the world and make a difference. Those are my words; here are his: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction...”. James offers a concrete action. He speaks of orphans and widows because, in his time, widows and orphans lived on the margins, dependent on the charity of others.
He then adds: “…keep oneself unstained by the world.” He reminds us that caring for others is our duty, our calling. However, he finishes by telling us to stay focused and not be swayed by the world's ways but to pay attention to the word of God.
James sets out a dual purpose that is at the heart of Ignatians West—service with and for others and attention to the word of God. Our volunteers serve in non-profit agencies that care for the orphans and widows of our time. They feed the hungry and clothe the naked, not in theory but for real. Volunteers work in 28 non-profit agencies, including four different food banks, and in a program that offers showers and clean clothes to people who are without homes.
Maybe you are thinking about being a "doer" as an Ignatian volunteer. If your schedule permits, join one of our meetings to learn what we do and who we are. The volunteers are welcoming and love to share their experiences as Ignatian volunteers. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month. Scroll down for more information and how to contact our office.
We live in times that call for courageous people to step forward and be 'doers" in both the world and the Church. We can make a difference by voting. We can also make a difference by looking around and seeing who needs our attention and assistance.
Peace,
Anne
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