Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

“I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.”

These beautiful words of the psalmist truly speak to the work we are privileged to do at Catholic Charities, striving to rescue those who come to us seeking respite from a multitude of struggles and challenges. 

How many times have we encountered a family that was truly at the end of their resources, completely uncertain as to where their next meal would come from or where they would spend that night? These are children and adults truly in need of help, seeking to be rescued from the whirlpool of desperation that will not release them.

Consider how remarkable it is that in a world more and more hostile to our Savior, that we, as true faith-based providers representing the Catholic Church, are the rescuers that so many turn to! They come to our doors fervently hoping to be helped, for a miracle to occur. Just like in today’s Gospel, we can respond to them as our Savior did to the royal official.

I pray we never forget that we are Jesus to those who come to us. Greet them with dignity and respect that they might leave praising God because they encountered Jesus in us!

Gary Tester is President of Catholic Charities of Central Florida and serves on the Governor’s Council for Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations.

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