Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

Lee Strobel, a celebrated Chicago Tribune reporter whose story is told in Case for Christ, wrote a book called The Unexpected Adventure. In it he referred to our “compassion radar,” saying that we always need to keep that engaged. It’s a radar that helps us to be aware of the hurt and need in others’ lives. It’s an urge to act, empathizing with the needs of others.

For the next three weeks, we are participating in the Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive at Felician Village. It is a drive coordinated by thefamily.net radio stations which keeps items in local agencies for help in our community. Seeing the needs of people around us doesn’t have to leave us feeling unable to respond. We can act by adding some extra items to our shopping list to give to those who are without.

In 1 John 3:16-18, we are told: “16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” We are called to demonstrate our love for our neighbor by acting in their best interests. What a wonderful way for us to participate in the work of God’s Kingdom, especially as Lent is drawing near! Any donation from the list of suggested items offers someone who cannot make ends meet a way to keep healthy and clean. Lists of most needed items are posted around Felician Village and on our social media. Keep attuned to your compassion radar. Let us love with actions and in truth.

Blessed Angela: “Do not omit any good deed out of human respect.”