"Who among you . . . would not immediately pull him out . . .? ( Lk 14: 1-6)

If only I could help this person find a job.   If only I could feed the homeless and those starving throughout my own city and country.  If only I could help alleviate the suffering of so many go hungry and starve tonight because I have plenty to eat.  If only!

If it were a good friend or a relative, I would make every effort.  Wouldn't you?   Somehow I would try to find a way to help.  Only a callous person would walk right by and consider it "no business of mine."

It seems as if we need a human connection before we follow through with compassionate action towards others.   I don't personably know the homeless person or the people beginning to starve in another land.  I may reason that "I can't take care of everyone."   

In today's Gospel it seems as if Jesus would find it incredulous for me not to care.  It should be second-nature to me.  Haven't I gotten it yet ? Whatever I do or do not do to another human being, I do or choose not to do to Christ. 

I think politics has definitely colored my attitudes and reactions when I am confronted with a situation to help another in need.   I should be reasonable and not overdue it.  I should ascertain whether or not this person before me "coulda-shoulda-woulda "deserved his or her present condition, before I help them.  After all, perhaps he or she could get a job or learn how to budget their income better!  I could blame the Democrats or the Republications.  I could blame the economy we find ourselves dealing with at this moment in history.    I could reason that "If I didn't 'break it' why should I be the one to 'fix it?'" 

This kind of thinking can take me away from the Resurrection principle that I am called to die to myself and my own comforts and perceived rights.  Isn't this what following the Risen Christ is all about?  The attitude and action of dying to oneself is not a very popular one today.  But popularity isn't the key to holiness.  

Mother Teresa did not think about the thousands of people she could not help in her lifetime.  She only cared for the one person in front of her, moment after moment, after moment.  She died to her own wants and needs whenever someone was in need.  She did not choose to do nothing because of the immensity of the poverty in her own country and elsewhere.   She sort of "broke it down" to a more manageable reality.  She could do something. 

I will try to do something  too.  I may offer the little money I have to the collection for the poor prior to Thanksgiving.  I may offer a prayer each day for those poor I do not know or cannot help.   I may give of my time and talent to help someone in need, even if this means I am being inconvenienced and have to change the plans I had made for myself. 

As fall ends and winter approaches, all of nature shows me the letting go and death to self that is involved with living a life of caring and compassion toward all others.  

I can only do this with and in the Risen Jesus who is with me and helps me each day.  Jesus, my Resurrection and my Life, grant that I may rise with you!