The last week of the year, and every organization is making its final pitch for the critical year end support it needs for its programs and agendas. Photos of children, shivering in the cold, dominate the appeals by UNICEF and other groups that help children. And, of course, there are the groups that help abandoned animals, who this past weekend faced a freeze and storms that killed so many across the Nation.
How do we choose? None of us is wealthy, and we must wonder what the super-rich do with their money when they receive such appeals. Each of us, however, can do something positive for our own corner of the world. As we come to the end of this year, taking some form of positive action is important.
Each of us makes different choices, hopefully creating a balance for all the good causes that need our help. Making choices isn’t easy, to be sure, but each of us, in our own way, whether monetarily, or though volunteering our time, can make the world a better place now and in the future. Our faith demands nothing less.
Prayer for the Day
You have created us, O gracious God, in your image,
The image of love and concern for the world around us;
You have endowed us, O Source of being, with soul and mind,
The soul and mind to consider all that is around us in our world;
Energize us, as we continue on our journey to answer your call
By serving the many who need our help and assistance,
In the name of the One who reached out to those in need,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
- Desmond Tutu, South African advocate for peace (1931-2021)
We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for. Solitude with God repairs the damage done by the fret and noise and clamor of the world.
- Dolores Huerta, labor organizer United Farm Workers (b. 1930)
Do not winnow in every wind or follow every path.
Stand firm for what you know, and let your speech be consistent.
Be quick to hear, but deliberate in answering.
Sirach 5: 9-11