Simple Acts of Love

Pope Francis Blesses the Faithful (Stock photo FreeImages.com)

“Any simple act of love, done in obedience and humility, reaches all the way into eternity.” This profound word, spoken at a recent prayer meeting, shocks those embroiled in our toxic culture.

The world tells us we are to do big things. Be self-made people, strong individuals that impact the world.

Yet Jesus tells us we can impact the world by doing his Father’s will and coming into his family.  “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt 12:50)

We are God’s children, all part of the large and diverse family of God. He loves each of us unconditionally, always with our best interest in mind. He provides for us with an abundance to share with others. We have what one of our siblings in Christ needs and someone else in the family has what we need. All from God’s hand.

Help the needy 

One of Pope Francis’ constant themes is to help the needy. The Vatican urges Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor. 

When it’s difficult to see Christ in the poor, Jesus tells us, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me,’” (Mt. 25:40).

Our Pope Francis brings this alive in every little way as he works into his schedule time to caress the disabled and wash the feet of the imprisoned. Without saying a word, he models how we personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized and vulnerable. And how these encounters are not interruptions, but responses to Christ.

More posts 

I have featured that same theme on JoyAlive.net in Jesus at the Post Office, God’s To-Do List for you, The  Gift of a free lunch, Little acts of mercy, and The Feet Washing.

With spiritual insight, we can see Christ in the poor and they can see Christ in us. Both the giver and the receiver can manifest the joy of living as children of God, the freedom that living in Christ brings.

What simple acts of love can you do today to respond to Christ in others and let them discover him in you?

(© 2013, revised 2019 Nancy H C Ward) 

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Nancy Ward

Nancy Ward writes about conversion, Christian community, and Catholicism. After earning a journalism degree, she worked for the Diocese of Dallas newspaper and the Archbishop Sheen Center for Evangelization, then began her own editing service. She’s a regular contributor to CatholicMom.com, SpiritualDirection.com, CatholicWritersGuild.com, NewEvangelizers.com and a contributing author to The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion. Now, through her Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story: Tools, Tips, and Testimonies workshops, retreats, book, and DVD, she shares her conversion story at Catholic parishes and conferences, equipping others to share their own stories.

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3 Responses

  1. Leslie Lynch says:

    What a powerful thought! “Any simple act of love, done in obedience and humility, reaches all the way into eternity.” It lets me relax and stop worrying about not doing enough or doing the right thing. Offering all that I am to God, and living my moments in service to Him has profound impact.

    Thank you for sharing. 🙂

    Blessings,
    Leslie

    • Nancy says:

      Yes, it was one of those moments that stays in your spirit until its essence becomes a part of you. There was much more added that afternoon through scripture and the insight of others. It all weaved back to the original inspired word: “Any simple act of love, done in obedience and humility, reaches all the way into eternity.” I guess that even applies to blogging about it and sharing it with others.

       

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