“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done…….We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.”

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.: (1929 – 1968: was an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement)

Gospel Text: (LK 8:1-3)

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.

In the Gospel reading we hear of friends of Jesus who helped him and his disciples in their preaching and ministry, "who provided for them out of their own funds."

Even today the Church and its many works and ministries need the support of its members. Many generously do so. The training of ordained ministers of the Church costs much and needs the continuing support of the faithful.

Of course, supporting the work of the Church is not only through monetary contributions and donations in kind. Many are able to help and support the Church through their volunteer work and service to the Church as ministers and helpers in the Church's liturgical works and in the many and varied needs of its parishes and other works. All can be of help in the traditional works of mercy, corporal and spiritual: visiting and helping the sick, visiting those in prison, counseling those with problems.

May we be generous and imaginative in our participation in the life of the Church through our parishes.