REMEMBER, AN EASY QUESTION CAN HAVE AN EASY ANSWER. BUT A HARD QUESTION MUST HAVE A HARD ANSWER. AND FOR THE HARDEST QUESTIONS OF ALL, THERE MAY BE NO ANSWER – EXCEPT FAITH.

CHARLES SHEFFIELD

Have you ever just stood and looked at a crucifix? It’s one of those things that we see frequently, that’s an internationally recognised symbol, but how often do we actually look at it rather than glance as we bypass one. When we take the time to look at a crucifix, we get it. There is Jesus, carrying the marks of our pain, the sins of our world, our own failures.

When people come to the St Vincent de Paul Society for assistance, they come bearing their own vulnerabilities. Some of them have taken a path in life that has led them to where they are. Others have been caught in desperate situations unexpectedly and some just don’t know where else to turn.

Part of our service as memkbers of the Society is providing practical care to those in need by using ours and others’ gifts and skills. We support people, walk alongside them and empower them to fulfil their potential. This is part of the “hand up” we often talk about. We comfort them in their pain and suffering and serve them without judgement, providing them with practical assistance to help them get back on their feet.

As a Society we are the crucifix to those that come to us. In walking the journey with our companions, we too become part of their story. We shoulder some of the burdens in order to work towards the long-term improvement of our companions’ lives. In turn our companions and those we assist become the crucifix to us. They open our eyes to the world around us and the gifts that each of us are so blessed to have. How often do you just walk by those around you and take life for granted?

Stop, look around and look up.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Take 5 minutes to think about your own journey with the St Vincent de Paul Society and how each encounter you have affects you in some way. How do you debrief and take time to unpack each encounter and remove some of the weight placed upon your shoulders?

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 1, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill.