And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
- Luke 1:47,48, Song of Mary
For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming on my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?’
- Esther 8:6
On September 11 this year, John and Andy gave us - members of the Trinity staff - an opportunity to “pay it forward”in honor of the heroes of 9/11. Each of us was given an amount of money in cash with the simple instructions that we were to “pay it forward” to someone who we thought needed it with the idea that when they could, they would do the same. We have had a good time exchanging stories of what we did with our money, and how it affected us.
Except me. I prayed about where best to use this gift. I looked for someone to give my money to for a couple of days, but for one reason or another I couldn’t do it. One man, it was pointed out to me, wasn’t asking for money. He wanted a friend. I walked to Hope House twice, but the doors were locked. When I took my walk one morning and saw a woman I really wanted to give it to, I hadn’t thought to bring it with me. This money was beginning to feel like a burden, and I was feeling so ashamed that I still hadn’t given it away!
Finally this morning, I was prepared and as I was praying and walking, I could see a woman about my age across the street looking very tired. I approached her and asked how she was doing. She asked me if I could give her something to eat. I said yes, that is what I was there for today. I explained the project and asked her name, which was Mary Esther. So today, I’m giving thanks that John and Andy gave me a chance to “magnify the Lord”, like Mary. And, like Queen Esther, I hope that for one day, I was able to keep the calamity of hunger from a Sister - who happens to share my initials.
Musical Reflection His Eye is On the Sparrow - Weber and Wilson
Lord, I pray for a magnanimous heart so that I can share the gifts you have so freely given. And I ask that you would keep me aware of the calamities of hunger, housing, health care and hopelessness that plague so many of my Brothers and Sisters. Amen.
