Establishing a motive
In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount includes a very direct teaching for his disciples — and for us.
I am reminded of my earliest faith formation classes in which we were challenged to memorize all ten commandments. Looking back, I can see how memorizing them established the very foundations of my faith. For me, the lesson established fundamental principles of what is required to be a good Christian. That’s what Jesus was doing for his disciples: establishing a motive for the work they were called to do.
The Lenten season also helps establish motive for us. When I was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic almost a year ago, I was motivated to change my eating habits. I’d just listened to one of my colleagues talk about her own self-care and how changing her eating habits had helped her see how important it is to have the inside of her body match the outside of her body. A spiritual transformation is now taking place with each decision I make to eat healthier foods — foods that fuel my body.
Our work at Catholic Charities is continued fuel for the journey for so many people. Our food pantries provide for physical needs, our mental health programs provide for emotional needs, our leadership development programs provide for spiritual needs, and our emergency assistance programs provide for the financial needs of our community.
Together we are the church, and there are a variety of ways others can join us in this demanding work. The challenge is to make the choice to be motivated by the Holy Spirit to live a life that follows God’s commands, teaching others to do the same through our example, and working to be part of His eternal kingdom when our days here on earth are complete. May we all embrace Jesus’ example of love through charity, compassion and sacrifice.
Cynthia Quintanilla is Executive Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Lubbock, Texas and is in her 29th year working in this ministry, Praise be to God! Cynthia grew up attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church and still receives prayers and words of encouragement from her early faith formation Director, Sr. M. Lalemant Pelikan.