Dear Fellow Parishioners, “There’s a boy here with five loaves and two fish, but what good is that for so many?” (Jn 6:9) Did that young boy know how his small contribution would assist in feeding 5000? Sometimes we don’t realize that our small attempts and contributions can make a difference. I’m thinking of how overwhelming climate change seems these days as we witness drought, fires, flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes in overwhelming force. Many are waiting for governments throughout the world to step in and act. We often forget that our lifestyle and actions do help as we strive to assist in the efforts to take “care for our common home.”
Each week in the bulletin we give suggestions of how we as individuals and households can offer up in smalls ways our loves and fish to assist in efforts to take care of the environment. Sometimes I want to throw up my hands in desperation and say, “What difference does it make?’ But the loaves and fish help bring me to my senses.
I am intentional in everything I do. Composting these past 60+ years, makes a difference, solar panels on my roof, makes a difference, driving a Prius, makes a difference, shutting off the water while I brush my teeth or shave, conserves badly needed water. You get the point.
It also happens when we bring our items in for the food pantry, make a pledge to Partners or Legacy, help with the landscaping at church, give a pint of blood, walk for hunger, volunteer at the food pantry, sign a petition in support of the nurses at St. Vincent hospital, bring in plastic bags for recycling, using cloth bags when we grocery shop. Yes, it all makes a difference.
Those efforts multiplied by the efforts of others in the community all add up and contribute to the unseen and unheard miracles that are taking place when we don’t even realize it. Yes, sometimes we lose focus and wonder if what we do makes a difference. Whenever we feel that way; remember the loves and fishes.
The striking nurses at St. Vincent’s are looking for our support. If you would like to sign the “Catholic Appeal,” sheets will be available this weekend to do so before and after Mass. Yes, that too can make a difference.