A Life of Service
Love never fails. (1 Co 13:8)
Christ's life, death and resurrection attests to this truth and He commands each one of us to "love our neighbor as He loves us" (Jn 15:12 ). It is clear that this will often require a great sacrifice on the part of anyone committed to service and loving one's neighbor. "And whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Mt 10:38 -39)."
The Monks of Belmont Abbey have been responding to Christ's call for one hundred and thirty years. Their selflessness, dedication, and service to others often go unnoticed. Despite their humility, there is one ongoing sacrifice that cannot be hidden, Belmont Abbey College. Over the years they have given all of their time, talent and treasure to the College. The Monks continue to have a profound influence, as does the faculty, staff and alumni, on the lives of thousands of students who have come to call the Abbey home. As part of our students’ formation, they are encouraged to emulate these teachers and mentors by committing a portion of each semester to the service of others. Our students have responded in extraordinary ways by helping those in need of food, clothing, and shelter, as well as, supporting many important causes such as the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
In the Rule of St. Benedict we are directed to welcome each guest in persona Christi. This extraordinary welcome is at the heart of service to others. Blessed Mother Teresa saw Christ in each person that she picked up from the street. In speaking of the visible Christ she said,
"Both you and we are carrying out the same social work, but whereas some people do it for the sake of something, we do it for the sake of someone. It is here that respect, love, and devotion come into play, since we do it for God's sake, and therefore we want it to be as beautiful as possible. We are in continuous touch with Christ in his work, just as we are in touch with Him at Mass and in the Eucharist. There Jesus offers himself under the appearance of bread. In the world suffering, in damaged bodies, in children, we see Christ and touch Him every day.”
"…We impatiently await God's paradise, but we have in our hands the power to be in paradise right here and now. Being happy with God means this: to love as He loves, to help as He helps, to give as He gives, to serve as He serves."
We offer a special prayer of thanksgiving and encouragement for all those in our community who have loved others by giving of themselves and we hope they will find great consolation in the twenty-fifth chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel: “ Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Mt 25:34-39) .”
You remain in my daily thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Dr. William K. Thierfelder
President
"And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple--amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward (Mt 10:38 -42)."
