Do you fast? Then feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, do not forget the imprisoned, have pity on the tortured, comfort those who grieve and who weep, be merciful, humble, kind, calm, patient, sympathetic, forgiving, reverent, truthful and pious, so that God might accept your fasting and might plentifully grant you the fruits of repentance. - St. Basil the Great
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
A few years ago, our parish began to increase its charitable deeds though small community-based projects. With the efforts of our parishioners, we were able to provide material needs to those who have been driven from their homes by fire and other circumstances, and to woman and children who have been forced to flee to shelters because of the tragedy of domestic violence. We also cared for the needs of the men and women of our Armed Forces who are in foreign lands defending our Nation.
As part of our ongoing effort, we set plans in motion to establish a food pantry. The room we had intended to use is in extreme disrepair, and so we went about the process of trying to obtain funds to remodel it. Unfortunately, none of our sources for funding panned out, but we are reminded of St. Paul's words in Galatians 6:9 instructing us not to be discouraged in doing well, for if we are persistent in due time we will reap the benefits. Our plans to feed the hungry of our community have not changed.
The neighborhood in which our parish is located has always been a poor one. Decades ago, they were hard-working and uneducated immigrants from Eastern Europe. Today, they are Hispanic, primarily of Mexican ancestry, yet still hard-working and poor. It makes no difference, as the Lord instructed us to spread the Gospel to all nations, and not just to a select few. We spread the Gospel by living it, by following Christ's commandments, and by following His example. Here in the Dundee section of Passaic, God has given us a wonderful opportunity to work out our own salvation by caring for those who are created in His image. God forbid we should pass up that opportunity.
To be truthful, the parish is dwindling and the days ahead seem uncertain if we look at it from a purely secular point of view. One thing is for certain, though, and that is as long as we invite Christ into our lives He will remain with us. One of the best ways we can invite Christ is by honoring those who are living icons of Him, and treating them as we would treat Christ Himself. Going about His work with peace of mind, keeping up our end of the bargain so to speak, we can put our worldly cares behind us.
