Pastoral Pearls: Love God and Love Your Neighbor
Love God, & Love Your Neighbor…. (Mark 12) and Thurs., June 7th = “World CARING Day!”
I was looking at National Days again, AND at Daily Readings for Thursday, from the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). I was amazed to find that these complimented one another!
The National Days Calendar says this: ‘In a world of many worries, one of the easiest ways to show love is by caring. We all experience times of crisis, illness or need. Sharing our journeys and becoming a part of a Beautiful Story in a segmented, cynical world recognizes and celebrates the people who care. When we take the time to notice, we see patience, understanding, kindness and encouragement from everyone around us.’
I hear so much overlap in this with Mark’s reminder for me to “love (God) with all (my) heart, with all (my) understanding, with all (my) strength, and to love (my) neighbor as (my)self, (knowing that this is) worth more than all … sacrifices."
So now I just need to put my mind to HOW can I do a good job of really caring – not just going through the motions, and of RECOGNIZING those who care for (show God’s love to) me. In this way I can truly be the hands, feet, mouth of Jesus, showing God’s love through MY caring in everything I do.
The National Days Webpage has many ideas for how to do this, to get my own creativity flowing. They ask me to start with paying closer attention to what’s going on (or maybe NOT going on) around me, and to be intentional about what I’m doing and what’s motivating me to do it.
- Asking how someone is doing with intent and meaning. – not just a quick “Hi. How are you.” But moving right on without really wanting to know or caring or waiting for an answer.
- Being mindful of the needs of others, rather than only my own needs – especially with the poor and marginalized around me, and that I CAN do at least something (small or large) to help someone in the moment
- Making time for my loved ones, rather than pushing them away because I have too much to do
- Sharing MY story – even of struggle – and listening to the stories of others to see where we might connect, so we can support one another.
- Even MY simple act of caring can trigger a domino effect, resulting in more love in the world
- Many of us have heard of CaringBridge – an app that shares the Story of one undergoing life-threatening illness, offering others who read the story the chance to show they care
Loving God, please help me to offer up MYSELF as a sacrifice, through Caring for everyone who comes my way, in the ways that you inspire me to show your Love to them. May I always let those who care for ME know that I so appreciate how they care for me – it makes me feel wrapped in your love, God. ~ Amen