The love of neighbor lies at the heart of Christian life. Yet love, above all, is a grace. For this reason, we should daily seek the grace to help someone. Acts of service, whether grand or small, can spring from a prayer of faith and a genuine attentiveness to others. This daily petition is an expression of humility and openness, recognizing that God can create opportunities for us to manifest His love, especially to those who need it most.
Scripture is unequivocal: in serving others, we serve Christ Himself. This passage from the parable of the Last Judgment reveals a profound truth: to aid another is to encounter Jesus.
Helping someone is not merely an occasional act of charity; it is a calling to live in communion, sharing in both the joys and struggles of others. The Church, in her teachings, emphasizes the Christian vocation to be artisans of charity. This transformative desire begins with concrete acts of help and service to those we meet.
The saints offer luminous examples of the daily grace to help others. The liturgy forms us to live with an inner disposition to serve others. In every Eucharist, we receive Christ, who gave Himself entirely for us. This perfect gift compels us to, in turn, become gifts for our brothers and sisters. The Rite of Peace, for example, invites us to restore harmony and be instruments of reconciliation. Similarly, the Universal Prayer broadens our horizons, calling us to carry the needs of all humanity in our hearts.
Modern psychology confirms that helping others benefits not only the recipients but also the helpers. Studies show that those engaged in altruistic acts experience profound satisfaction and happiness. However, it is important to remember that helping others should not become an overwhelming burden. Asking for the grace to help begins with prayer.
