Taking the Time to Make a Difference

How can that be? I wondered. How could Jesus say it with a straight face? “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” How can a meek and humble person say, “Look at me!” That passage from chapter 11 of Matthew’s Gospel popped into my head while I was thinking about all of the good things that have been done by volunteers with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other organizations. It is often difficult, though, to honor people who do what they do because they love God and their neighbors. Being honored is the last thing on their minds. It is most appropriate that the honor given by parishes to selected parishioners here in southwestern Indiana is the “Mother Teresa Christian Service Award.” Certainly Mother Teresa did not set out to do what she did for honor and acclaim. But at the same time, she certainly did not shy away from the public limelight. I am sure Mother Teresa knew the value of drawing attention to the needs of the poor and the ways in which the world could assist her. Once people became aware of the service provided by Mother Teresa’s religious community, they could give money or medicine; they could even give themselves to the effort by joining her community or other efforts to serve the poor. So, like it or not, there are times when people just have to stand up and be honored. To my way of thinking, a parish that chose to honor its members with a Mother Teresa Award communicated a very important fact about the values of the parish – that serving the needs of others is an essential part of Christian life.

* * *

In trying to understand what it means to be meek, I found much to read and ponder. Some of the phrases that offer the most food for reflection are “disciplined calmness,” “not easily provoked” and “harnessed strength.” Meekness is often a quality associated with leadership: it is not the weakness of the subservient, but the gentleness of a king. Meekness is the relationship of such a one to the community. In an article on the website catholicexchange.com, Leon J. Suprenant Jr. sees the term meek originating with a Greek word for a highly spirited trained horse. “Such a horse has become so gentle and mild, so ‘reined in,’ that a child may pet it or ride on its back. But the more important thing is that the horse no longer thrashes about wildly, but rather has been trained to take direction. The strength and power of the noble animal have been harnessed for good, not forfeited.” In this sense, one who is meek is open to the will of God.

* * *

Here in southwestern Indiana, we have some strong and noble people who harness their power in gentle service. Catherine Weber, for example, a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Haubstadt, Ind., a nurse who has helped care for homebound residents for 51 years. Steve Muensterman of St. Joseph Church in Vanderburgh County, Ind., who goes out of his way to help those in need, especailly when it comes to fixing up cars for them. Or John and Janie Kempf of St. Anthony Church in St. Anthony, Ind., who are involved in all aspects of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and who have supported the Special Olympics for 23 years. There are many more, mostly hidden, only rarely honored – but their witness inspires us. Take the time to acknowledge the “harnessed strength” of someone in your family or neighborhood. Perhaps you find such a quality in a gentle parent or a community leader who bases decisions on principle. Find a way to thank such a family member at an appropriate time. Or perhaps write a letter to the local newspaper to affirm the principled actions of a political leader. If honor comes your way, do not let the desire to remain unnoticed get in the way of a greater good.

Send your comments about "Taking Time to Make a Difference" to . Contact about subscribing for your newspaper.

Share this article on Facebook! Click here.