Today, the local United Way office distributed $30,000 worth of funding for community based programs that help women in this city to improve their lives. Among the recipients of funds was the Beech Street Community Kitchen, an outreach program which was begun by the parishioners of Christ the King parish to help people in Sudbury who are food insecure to provide nutritious meals for their families.
Since its inception in mid-October of this year, the Beech Street Community Kitchen has been meeting twice a month for three hours at a time. Participants prepare meals together and then take them home to be shared with their respective families. Besides the physical reward of taking home some food for their families (something which is provided free of charge to qualifying participants), there are a number of other benefits (blessings if you will) that have already been identified.
Perhaps first among those who have already been rewarded are the parishioners who volunteer their time to assist participants who come to cook at the Beech Street Community Kitchen. News about this initiative has already begun to spread throughout this community and beyond, and the responses are all good.
Overcoming the challenge of food insecurity might seem to be insurmountable when one considers the fact that there are 1 million families in Canada who face this challenge, but every proverbial journey begins with one step. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta also faced such a daunting prospect when she realized the myriads of poor and dying in the streets of that city, but she chose to love one at a time, and that has made all the difference.
Love is the key, to serving one another and to making a difference in the world. As we prepare for the festival of Christmas, perhaps we would do well to back away from the frenzy of shopping malls and the often self-imposed pressure of getting everything ready. Instead, spend some time reflecting on the importance of love. How has love made a difference in our lives? How do I too pass on the invaluable lessons of love to others?
2 comments:
What an example Blessed Teresa of Calcutta gave us! She really knew who to love and how to love. Sometimes I need to make a concerted effort to follow her example, to love Jesus the way she loved Jesus. And sometimes a helping gesture just happens so naturally and when it unexpectedly blooms into something very special I need to stop,recognize with awe and give thanks for it is truly me who has been blessed. Love at every level has made such a difference in my life. I think when we show love to others it comes back a hundredfold. And sometimes a small touching gesture passes on the invaluable lessons of love to others.
This piece is heartwarming. It is well written and ties together many themes of the season of giving. Once again you have done a great job. Thank you.
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