By Jessica Wilde As a missionary, we are all called to go out to the ends of the world to minister and care for the suffering flesh of Christ in our brothers and sisters. So this has been a humbling season in our lives as we became the suffering flesh receiving the Father's love through the service of our neighbors. Jesus came to earth in solidarity with us to teach us how to live, how to suffer and ultimately die. But God the Father never let Jesus suffer alone. Simon helped Jesus carry His cross. The weeping women mourned Him. Veronica wiped His face. Mama Mary, Mary Magdalene and John never left His side providing their loving presence at His crucifixion. During the celebration of the Eucharist, we have the opportunity to join them with our loving presence at His crucifixion too. Just like with His beloved Son, our Father doesn't desire us to suffer alone either. For us, it has been amazing to see our Father pour out His love during this difficult season through family, friend and even strangers. Thank-you to the Good Semaritans that have loved us through our cancer journey. Thank you to the stranger at church who gave us $20, a smile and a prayer for health. Thank you to the anonymous lady who adopted our family over Christmas, bought us groceries (even a turkey!) and a whole bag of presents for the kids. Thank you to Anita from the Levi Cancer Association whom I had never met until she approached me at church and told us that the Holy Spirit prompted her to give us $500 to help us with cancer related expenses. These random acts of kindness from strangers has taught us How to be Christ's hands and feet. Like the Good Semaritan, it takes eyes wide open to the see the suffering stranger in need. It takes courage to approach them admidst their suffering. It takes openness to the Father's will to understand how to serve them and then Christ strength to serve them. Brothers and Sisters - Don't be afraid to be the good semaritan of our time. Reach out with courage, boldness and love to the stranger in need. You might just be the tool God uses to fill them up with His grace, courage and strength that will equip them to carry their cross for another day. A generous attitude towards the sick is salt of the earth and light of the world. May Our Lady of Lourdes help us to practice it, and obtain peace and comfort for all those who suffer. (Pope Francis)
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By Grace WildeWhen I last wrote a blog a year ago, people made it feel like it was too dramatic, too crazy, and plain wrong. Those persecutions hurt, so I was afraid of writing again. Costa Rica came and went, so did cancer. I wanted to write, but I still felt the suffering of the year come and gone. So I stayed silent and did not write. This Christmas, my mom got sick again twice! It all hurt. After experiencing, praying, and talking with my mom about it, I realized that suffering is good! Although, it does not come from God in the first place, God uses it as a crucible to burn away everything that is not of him. This third I will put into the fire; In biblical times, people would take gold and melt it down in a metal pot called a crucible. Then anything that is not gold would burn away which is same thing God does with us when we suffer. He uses suffering to burn away anything that does not belong to Him. It does hurt though, but Jesus uses suffering to make us even stronger. And during the pain, all we have to do is trust in Jesus to not take away the cross that we bear, not to make the cross lighter either, but for us to be crucified, buried and raised with the glory of God from the dead in his arms. So this next year, I’m not going to let lies or persecutions silence me. I’m not going to let suffering take control of me. I am going to let Jesus take over the wheel and let Him speak through me. This is my letter and gift to Jesus this New Year . Love, Grace |
On a MissionTwo passionate parents and their four children are excited to bring His Word to everyone in need while living a life of Gospel poverty as missionaries. They invite you to join them on a journey to encounter our global neighbors that Jesus commands us to love through works of charity and service. Archives
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