Being Open to God---I Mean Really Being Open

A nun from the St. Elizabeth Missions, Franciscan Associates came to Mass to speak.  In a nutshell she said she grew up thinking poverty meant lack of material things, now she knows it now as a lack of opportunity.   Here's their Link.

She worked in hospitals and education during her more than 50 years of mission work.  She brought up three examples of people she worked with who were able to benefit from the Franciscan Sister's schools and go on to pursue fulfilling careers.

In today's Gospel, the Samaritan was the only person to stop and help someone beaten up in the road.  The Samaritan felt compassion for the man and to care for him.  The injured man could not care for himself at that time.  It is a good reminder  that we have the ability to give to others who need it and it can be a very transforming for the people who accept help.

I reflected on the times when we are the Samaritan.  There are also times when we are the beaten one laying helpless in the street too injured to move.

Sometimes the person who needs help also needs to find the humility to ask for help or to allow others to provide help.  We are in a proud society and many people feel they are failing if they show their vulnerability and let others know they have a need. It's not easy to ask for help.  And it is a gift to help others who cannot return the favor.  I saw this during my time working at a nursing home.  People needed 24 hour care.  Those who were aware of their weaknesses felt bad as if they were a burden to others.  It was difficult for them to let that wall down and just receive the attention and care.

The nun also spoke of young people who were so devoted to their education that they worked very hard balancing the needs of their family and allowing for time to study.  The Franciscans made it possible for them to have a school and access scholarships for advanced education.  They didn't consider their lack of electricity or running water as a hindrance.  In fact, they were not conscious of the fact they lacked these conveniences  We look in from our own view point and see this as a detriment.  But they appreciated everything.

Afterward I walked up to her and thanked her for coming to our church to speak.  She was very friendly, of course, and really drew me out into a moving conversation.  All I wanted to do was speak to her momentarily and be on my way.  After all she was busy spreading the word about the work of the Franciscan Sisters.  I did not want to be a bother.

Then, she asked me about my occupation and I told her I am a chiropractor.  Now, she melted my heart saying how important it was to help alleviate people's pain.  I said I hoped I was helping them.  In my mind I was reliving the times I didn't feel people were making progress.  I think about them often.  I told Sister I am answering a call from God.  I'm not sure at all what I am doing but I will follow his command and stick with it.  She said that's what we do.  We keep on going for God.

It has been the rare moment when I tell others God told me to become a chiropractor. I usually tell people I want to share the benefits of chiropractic because I found the experience to be liberating and everyone should have that as well.   But, I clearly heard God's voice say I was to become a chiropractor.  I feel like Moses in the desert.  Some days (many) I have no confidence, but then again, why should I have any confidence at all?  I am not supposed to be above God.

This kind lady made me stop and think for a moment and I decided I don't have to figure it all out today, or tomorrow.
Even Mother Angelica said:
Whatever you feel needs to be done, even though you're shaking in your boots, you're scared to death – take the first step forward. The grace comes with that one step and you get the grace as you step. Being afraid is not a problem; it's doing nothing when you're afraid."

Here's another Mother Angelica gem:  Get back to the basics, your prayers.

Thank you, ladies for your words.