"Looking After our Neighbor is the Best Way to Look After Ourselves"

I tricked Lynn to finally have coffee with me last Thursday under the guise of " meeting with my team leader." Really, I just miss Lynn and the other Regnum Christi girls because I have been so focused on work and resting that I haven't had much time to see them-- and it was her birthday a week ago.

Coffee turned out to be long overdue. I really enjoyed coffee Lynn. I was so glad to share so many things with her and feel such comfort, acceptance and somehow a kindred spirit. "You, me and Pat O. are so alike." I truly agree. I want to also get to know Pat better. So Pat Ocampo, If you're reading this-- We should have coffee soon :) And our date to watch Being Erica :)

Lynn gave me a copy of a letter from the Regnum Christi director that I was reading for morning prayers today..

"Looking after our neighbor is the best way to look after ourselves; in fact, thinking of our neighbor is the best way to think about ourselves." - Pope Benedict XVI

When we are so caught up in our own troubles, we drown. Once we see what misfortunes other have, it sheds light on how blessed we truly are. I may not have enough money to buy all the clothes, and take all the vacations that I want-- but I see kids on the street without anything to eat. Hopefully we realize that those clothes those vacations aren't essentials and aren't things to be down about. Of what is truly important, I have-- more than enough of.

The challenge perhaps is for this idea to translate into action. I have more that enough, What should I do about it?

It kind of sounds selfish to ask for something worse off than you just to make yourself feel better--- But maybe the magic, the lesson is in carrying that other persons cross and realizing it isn't so bad after all.


Lord,
When I am hungry, send me someone in need of food;
When I am thirsty, send me someone in need of water;
When I am cold send me someone in need of heat;
When  I grieve, send me someone in need of consoling;
When my cross seems heavy, let me share my neighbor's
When I find I am poor, place someone in need at my side
When I don't have time, send me someone who needs my minutes
When I suffer humiliation, give me the chance to praise someone
When I am discouraged, give me someone to cheer up
When I want to be understood, send me someone that needs my understanding
When I feel in need of care, send me someone to care for
When I think of myself, turn my thoughts into another
Lord, make us worthy to serve our brothers and sisters. Through our hands give them their daily bread, but also our merciful love as a reflection of yours.

Thank you Lynn for this :)