(Welcome to my homestead. Where the pony breaks into the garden and I have more cherry tomatoes than I know what to do with.)
As much as I love big ideas and inspiring people to feel moved about a cause, there is something I love even more: action.
I think it’s why my husband would so frequently give me the look - you know the one - “What the hell is she plotting now?” - whenever I would start talking about some crazy idea I’d been ruminating on.
Mostly because I will take something and actually run with it.
It’s why we lived in a school bus with four children ...
It’s why last weekend, when Ian asked if I was going to enter the oblate novitiate I said, “Of course. That’s why I’m here. It was decided when I signed up for this retreat.”
Back to action.
Today’s readings hit me hard. Even before I went to Mass, I read them on my phone, and sent the link to my husband saying, “Very good readings today.” It felt like a little spark, a nudge to examine my own life and see how I compared to the complacent ones mentioned.
I have not drunk wine from a bowl, but I’ve definitely sipped a margarita from one. And then there are those wine glasses that are as big as your face. Hmmm.
Then, in Father’s homily today, he brought up the Corporal Works of Mercy, taken from the Beatitudes, which I had never heard called that until today.
Naturally, there are seven, because biblical numerology (7 symbolizes perfection or completeness).
Those acts of mercy are:
Feed the hungry: Provide food to those who are starving.
Give drink to the thirsty: Offer water or other beverages to those who are dehydrated.
Clothe the naked: Provide clothing to those who lack proper attire.
Shelter the homeless: Offer a place to stay for those who have no home.
Visit the sick: Spend time with and care for individuals who are ill.
Visit the imprisoned: Offer companionship and support to people who are incarcerated.
Bury the dead: Ensure that deceased individuals are given a proper burial.
That spark ignited a fire and I vowed to act on the push I’ve been feeling to get involved with the local food pantry. So I found a friend who volunteers there once Mass was over and asked about volunteer opportunities. (I get to go with him to pick up food in the truck tomorrow and then fly solo next week while he’s on vacation. Wait, what?)
Update: ‘Tis only a big van and I *think* someone will driving fore me next week. Maybe.
Later, as I was vacuuming and listening to an unrelated Word On Fire lesson on Catholicism, those same Corporal Works of Mercy came up again. This time, Bishop Barron mentioned Dorothy Day and the Catholic Workers Movement. So I felt the need to look them up and wouldn’t you know it, but they advocate many of the same things I do - family farms, homesteading projects, hospitality.
That fire blazed to life as I thought of all the pieces God has been putting into place in my life. Discussions with my husband and bestie and other friends about growing food, living in community, teaching people valuable skills and resurrecting the village.
It has all been for a reason, part of a greater vision.
(I informed my family that our house and property are now Black Rose Homestead a couple weeks ago. They may or may not be on board with it. Who knows - I’m running with it. We will feed people, dammit!)
And finally, as I was listening to Bishop Barron’s Sunday sermon on Love for the Poor, those same Corporal Works of Mercy were mentioned again.
This time, with a parting plea to act. To do something about it. To not just sit around and meditate on an idea, but to get out of your comfort zone and DO.
Be God’s hands and feet.
As comfortable as it is to just talk about the idea of helping the poor without taking action, we are called to do more than that.
We are called to do.
What then, can you do?
What then, will you do?
Food for thought.
