Editorial

Have we reached out to others, as if they were Christ in disguise?

We just celebrated Pentecost, the birthday of the Church two Sundays ago, and have returned to Ordinary Time on the liturgical calendar.

Like the Apostles at that first Pentecost, we, too, have been commissioned to fulfill the Church’s mission of evangelization on the Earth.

The Holy Spirit, which descended on Jesus’ disciples, has descended on us and is ready to work through us in our efforts to build up God’s kingdom.

To be fair, the Spirit has been with us since our baptism, but Pentecost offers a reminder each year that a caring and loving God has provided us with his power and his very life in the third person of the Trinity.

The question we need to ask ourselves—and others—is: Have we allowed the Spirit to work in and through us?

One way to do this might be to reflect on the corporal works of mercy: Have you fed the hungry? Given drink to the thirsty? Given alms to the poor? Sheltered the homeless? Visited the sick? Visited those in prison? Buried the dead?

As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states on its website: “The corporal works of mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They ‘are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs’ [United States Catechism for Adults]. They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.”

Our reflections could include the spiritual works of mercy as well. Have you instructed the ignorant? Counseled the doubtful? Admonished the sinner? Forgiven injuries? Comforted the sorrowful? Bore wrongs patiently? Prayed for the living and the dead?

The USCCB states: “The spiritual works of mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these spiritual works of mercy guide us to ‘help our neighbor in their spiritual needs’ ” (United States Catechism for Adults).

Our faith instructs us that “love of God and love of neighbor” are the two greatest commandments, and making a commitment to fulfill the corporal and spiritual works of mercy offers a beautiful witness as missionary disciples to do just that. These can also be opportunities to bring light to situations that are enveloped in darkness.

The time after Pentecost should also be a time to follow the Holy Spirit, because everything is on the move—including the Church. That movement should include us as well.

If you’ve heard Archbishop Charles C. Thompson speak or read any of his writings during his nearly six years as shepherd of the Church in central and southern Indiana, you know he likes to reference Pope Francis and our universal shepherd’s wisdom.

One word the archbishop has consistently used as he talks about the mission of the Church, citing the Holy Father, is “accompaniment.” We are called to accompany our brothers and sisters on their faith journeys, Archbishop Thompson has said on many occasions, and that implies “movement,” he has noted.

As we continue marking Ordinary Time, let us pray it is a Spirit-led time for all of us, a time to allow God’s grace to move us and work through us.

As St. Maximilian Kolbe, the saint of Auschwitz, wrote, “My little children, remember, holiness is not a luxury, but a simple duty.”

Holy Spirit, guide our lives, and let your wisdom fill our hearts. Pour out your love on us, so we can share it with others.

And in this process, may we be instruments of saving grace to others.

—Mike Krokos