Recently we have focused on being grateful for all that we have and looking for opportunities for serving others. Little opportunities, that show through actions, our care and concern for others. It is always good to think about others as much as ourselves as we go about our daily lives. The opportunity to do massive acts of service to others may come along very rarely, if ever at all. The chance to do small acts of service for others regularly present themselves throughout our everyday lives. Mother Theresa of Calcutta, a modern-day saint of the Catholic Church, regularly reminded us all that 'No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted'.
It is a well-known fact that helping others makes us feel good. In moving out of our comfort zones and aiding someone in need, we show who we really are. We witness to the gospel message of inclusion of others who may be on the periphery or cannot access the material goods and services that we take for granted. We do what the Good Samaritan did, not just delivering the beaten man to the inn, but completing the job with love and paying the bill for his needs. Sometimes serving others can be challenging and confronting. If it was easy, most people would do it. When we see a social justice initiative through or make a difference to a person's life because we went beyond our 'job description', we have lost and found ourselves in the service of others.
You can judge a person's character by what they do for those who can do nothing for them in return. Similarly, you can judge a community by how they treat the least able and most vulnerable amongst them. Our community bases itself on the example and teaching of Jesus. Key here is the example Jesus set. St Francis of Assisi emphasised the need for followers of Christ to serve others in his famous quote 'Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words'. All week I have challenged students to look for and then act on opportunities to serve those at the College with them.
