{"id":40628,"date":"2018-02-04T14:55:49","date_gmt":"2018-02-04T20:55:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/praytellblog.com\/?p=40628"},"modified":"2018-02-08T07:37:16","modified_gmt":"2018-02-08T13:37:16","slug":"we-are-called","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/praytellblog.com\/index.php\/2018\/02\/04\/we-are-called\/","title":{"rendered":"We Are Called"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Rev. John Bauer<\/em><\/p>\n

Just after Christmas, I spent three days retreating and resting at the Guesthouse<\/a> at Saint John\u2019s Abbey. Staying at the Guesthouse is a wonderful experience. It is quiet and private. The rooms are simple, but very comfortable. The food, like the rooms, is simple but very tasty, and there are always options to choose from.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Perhaps the aspect I like most about staying at the Guesthouse, though, is being able to take a short walk over to the Abbey Church to join the monks for prayer. Their usual schedule is: morning prayer at 7:00am, mid-day prayer at noon, Mass at 5:00pm, and evening prayer at 7:00pm.<\/p>\n

The monks at Saint John\u2019s have six books of psalms and scripture canticles, and three hymn books. And at any given prayer time you could be using three out of nine of those books for prayer. Fortunately, the monks always seem to be able to spot an inexperienced person shuffling though the various books trying to find the ones they will need for prayer. In these cases, one of the monks will come over and in a very kind and an uncondescending manner ask if they can help. It is great to know that I only need to paste a confused look on my face and one of the monks will come and help me.<\/p>\n

\"\"There are times when we all could use some assistance. It could be with something relatively simple (like finding the right prayer book) or it could be with something more serious or important. As Christians, when we see someone in need our response is clear.<\/p>\n

Jesus has told us that we are to help those in need, simply because they are in need. The scene of the Last Judgment in Matthew\u2019s Gospel reminds us of this. In that parable, Jesus has told us: \u201cWhatsoever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me\u201d (Matthew 25:40).<\/p>\n

Not only are we called to provide help and assistance to those in need, but this help is not contingent on whether we know or like the person, or think they are deserving of our assistance. We are called to help people whenever we become aware that they are in need. As importantly, the assistance we provide needs to be concrete, specific, and practical, and not just good thoughts and kind words.<\/p>\n

Do we always do this well?<\/p>\n

There are times when I put my own needs and wants ahead of those who need assistance. And there have been a few times when I turn a blind eye to those in need.<\/p>\n

There are other times, though, when I respond to my neighbor in need spontaneously, generously and without reservation. I wish this were always the case, but my selfishness and sinfulness often get in the way of living as Christ has called me to live.<\/p>\n

I am challenged by the example others set for me. And as importantly, I take comfort in the belief that God never calls us to do something God doesn\u2019t give us the grace to do.<\/p>\n

We are called to help those in need.<\/p>\n

Fr. John Bauer is pastor of St. Mary\u2019s Basilica parish in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
\nImage: Wall of light and shadow at Saint John’s Abbey Guest House.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are times when we all could use some assistance. 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