Is it time to open your heart to God and toss out stuff? Print E-mail
By Deacon Nate LaLiberte   
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Over the summer months of my deacon placement at Divine Mercy in Faribault, I have had the opportunity to work with the local St. Vincent de Paul Society.

15laliberte.jpg  Sunday Scriptures
Deacon Nate LaLiberte
In 1833, Blessed Frederic Ozanam founded the society in Paris with the desire to continue the charitable works of St. Vincent de Paul. The or­ga­nization has spread to 142 countries and has more than 690,000 active members.

One of the goals of the group, as stated in its rule of operation by Bles­sed Frederic, says: “Since the pur­pose of this institute is not only to give material sustenance but also spiritual aid, these servants of the poor will take care to lead them by the hand to God” (S.V. 13:423-439).

To see the ideals of this society lived out so faithfully in the Fari­bault chapter has inspired me. Because of my work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the words from this Sunday’s Gospel stood out to me: “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Gifts are given to share

One of the beautiful fruits of an organization like the St. Vincent de Paul Society is that it helps us to realize that there are people in all walks of life who are still struggling to meet their basic needs. The problem that faces us is not a lack of goods to go around, but that these goods (such as food, clothing, beds, fans, etc.) are not always distributed appropriately. This creates a challenge for us as we remember that all the possessions that we have been given in our lives are gifts from God.

Because they are gifts, we have a responsibility to use them appropriately. This requires us to occasionally reevaluate as to whether I am the most appropriate person to have something. Perhaps it can be passed on to another?

I am amazed by how much “stuff” I accumulate over a year. I think this accumulation occurs because I often say to myself, “Well, someday I might have to use it so I will just keep it in case.” Say this enough and closets, drawers and extra space become filled with “just in case” objects.

Readings


Sunday, Aug. 1
18th Sunday in ordinary time

» Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
» Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
» Luke 12:13-21

For reflection


How have you shared your gifts with others? Is it time to clean out your closets or garage?
This casual accumulation can be stopped early by saying, “I have not used this in over three months, I am going to give it to someone who may need it more.” After working with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, I assure you that there are many people who are in need and could use your accumulated stuff for the betterment of their lives.

The society in Faribault was founded seven months ago. Every week since opening, it has received a steady increase of people.

This week, as we reflect upon the Lord’s words, “One’s life does not consist in possessions,” let us ask God for his guidance and the generosity of heart necessary to simplify our life for the charitable betterment of others.

Deacon Nate LaLiberte is in formation for the priesthood at the St. Paul Seminary. His home parish is All Saints in Lakeville and his teaching parish is Maternity of Mary in St. Paul.