April 14, 2005

Everyone has heard the expression, “One day at a time” – but what about, “One person at a time”? In the Acts of the Apostles, we read about the risen Christ touching people one by one. One example is the crippled man who sat begging by the Temple. Here, the risen Lord worked through His apostles to raise this man from his paralysis to begin a new life. In another account, we read about another type of healing. This is the story of the Ethiopian official who encountered Philip “along the way”. The official’s body was fine, but he was frustrated. Like the crippled man, his encounter with the risen Lord working through Philip left him “healed” and very happy.

While many spiritual applications can be culled from these two scriptural accounts, today let us consider just one provocative and practical aspect. That is, do we see ourselves as vessels of divine grace for others? In short, do others meet the Risen Christ when they meet us? Now, I am not suggesting that we lay hands on every sick person seeking to heal them or that we walk about with a big Bible and become an “answer man” for everyone. However, do we allow the Lord to work through us to help others? If we can say that Jesus is both the Bread of Life and the source of Living Water, when people meet us along life’s way, do we nourish and refresh them – or do they leave our presence “hungry and thirsty”?

As we continue to reflect on the life of the greatest spiritual and world leader of modern times, let us not forget one important facet of Pope John Paul II’s greatness. He was well aware that he was a vessel of God’s grace – not because he was pope – but because he was baptized! Whoever met the Holy Father, great or small, friend or foe, everyone went away nourished. No king or crook (even the man who tried to kill him) was left empty inside. They felt filled because they somehow mysteriously tasted the Bread of Life and had a sip of the Living Water. Even in the wake of a momentary encounter with the pope, everyone was left with liberation and joy!

Perhaps we can excuse ourselves before our morning cup of coffee – but generally, should we not ask ourselves if others are better off after being in our presence? Do we consciously bear the Risen Lord and bring Him to our family members, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors? Do we offer a warm smile to others, even strangers, or do we walk past them as if they are an animal or some object? Do we speak words of comfort and encouragement or are we cynical and complaining? Do we attempt to tactfully offer the other side of the story to those in our company who are gossiping, complaining, or speaking ill of others? Do we sacrifice our valuable time for others who simply need a strong shoulder or a listening ear? Certainly this takes time and practice. That is why I consider myself a “practicing Catholic” – I keep trying every day!

Therefore, let us not just venerate the pope, let us imitate him and give – even when it hurts – the Bread of Life and the Living Water to the world. How? Like Our Lord and His disciples, one person at a time.

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant, residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers, New York

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