As I read this Sunday's readings, I was reminded of a story that a somewhat older priest once shared with me during my seminary days. He was commenting on the work carried out by the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa of Calcutta in my country. This priest accompanied them spiritually with some frequency, celebrating mass for the sisters and for those who were assisted by them.
He remembered the poverty of the sisters and the people they care for, and yet the essentials were never needed for that work of Charity to work every day; although there were times when he feared that the sisters would not even be able to have anything for themselves.
In a conversation between this priest and the superior of the community of sisters, he insisted on telling the sister to manage the little they had between food and medicine because it seemed that it would not be enough for everyone or make it to the end of the month. Well, the sister's response surprised him. They gave everything they had to those most in need, and that was how it should be, even at the beginning of each month they should not have accumulated anything because nothing they had was theirs but rather the poor's. And at the end the sister added: “Do you not believe in divine providence?” God always provides his people with what they need. What a beautiful testimony of faith from this sister.
All this makes me remember precisely a reality in which it seems we no longer trust as much: Divine Providence. Those sisters have never lacked food and medicine for themselves and those they care for. God has always been generous with his hands full to them and their work of charity.
Let us meditate on God's goodness toward all. The gospel (Jn 6, 1-15), tells us about this, God provides and gives in abundance. Let us have faith, as we pray to God and do what we have to do and do it well.
Fr. Carlos Flores, OSA
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