“It is in giving that we receive”

I attended talks prepared for Advent that were partly based on the experience lived by Deacon Richard Boileau and Stephanie Dotto, who both, on separate occasions, went to deliver medical supplies to impoverished and AIDS-stricken Malawi. They touched upon their experience of poverty and illness, but also of great hope and joy.

I was very touched by these talks. Our willingness to follow Jesus has not reached its potential and has not become real until we reach out to the poor, who can give nothing back except themselves in their state. Francis of Assisi said, in his famous prayer, “It is in giving that we receive”. I think this sentence is the key to life; without it, we have no meaning and no healing. By giving to the poor, we receive way more joy from the sharing, and treasures for our spirit we never dreamed possible. Them and us are one; just as we feed and love our family, we need to remember and strive to provide for our poor, until we all make it to heaven, where nothing will be lacking.

I have known Richard for quite a while, and I must say that I am always inspired by his insightful preaching and his wisdom. He belongs to the order of the Secular (3rd order) Franciscans. You can learn more about his ministry by visiting his website, www.cribandcross.com.

Also, if anyone is interested in learning more about the plight of the people of Malawi, and/or if you would like to find out how to donate to this cause, once you’ve entered the Crib + Cross site, you can click on “Hope for Africa”, and then “Malawi Program”. You can also check out Stephanie Dotto’s site to learn more on this (Stephanie began her excellent work when she was only a teenager; which goes to show that everyone’s part counts).

“The Lord hears the cry of the poor” (from Psalm 34). And He is calling on us to help Him love and answer them. So that we may all receive.