If you drive by My Brother’s Keeper in North Easton Massachusetts, you will see a bronze statue of Jesus washing the feet of a disciple, a disciple who most likely had been walking all day in the desert sand with sandals. Then he says, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (Jn. 13:14)
This statue is appropriate in front of My Brother’s Keeper because those who work there are serving needy people in the community humbly in the name of Jesus. Their mission is to “Bring the Love and Hope of Jesus Christ to those in need.” No conditions put nor any questions asked. Anyone in need who asks for food or furniture, gets it, delivered with a crucifix and a message to the recipients: “He is the one who has brought you the supply. We are only delivery people.” When they return to their base, they come together to pray in their little chapel, the same chapel they prayed in before they left to make their delivery.
In today’s gospel, Jesus said, "I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness." (Jn 12) Those who serve at Brother’s Keeper bring the light of Jesus to others by meeting physical needs. Saul and Barnabas, in our first reading, brought the light of Jesus by preaching.
What are we doing to bring the light of Jesus to others? Are we humble enough to perform tasks for others that we may not like doing? Are we going out of our way to bring food or other material necessities to people in need? Are we sharing the light of the love of Jesus in words when the occasion arises?
Let us pray for sensitivity to the needs of others and for insight and strength to bring the light of Jesus to them by meeting those needs.
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")