Special
‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ Guest Columnist Amélie Desormeaux
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Last year was one of many sacrifices; it is hard to think that we will soon enter a season of intentional sacrifice, Lent. A season that challenges us to allow our pain and struggle to guide us toward a deeper spirituality. Pope Francis’ recently released encyclical, Fratelli tutti, calls us to a particular spirituality, one which acknowledges that everyone in this world is my brother or sister deserving of a life of dignity. A spirituality that sheds its light on those most vulnerable, marginalized and discriminated against. Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) Rice Bowl, the Lenten faith formation program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is the perfect tool to guide us through a process to reach this spirituality during Lent 2021. CRS Rice Bowl gives us everything we need, in one tiny cardboard box (and an accompanying website), to pray, learn and make a difference. This year, the program centers its daily prayers and reflections on the Gospel of Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” The CRS Rice Bowl website then takes us a step further with a weekly opportunity to connect our prayers to concrete examples of Catholic social teaching exemplified through stories
of families from Madagascar, El Salvador and Timor-Leste. These are stories of resiliency and triumph, not heartbreak. We may see people who look different from us, eat different food, live in different homes, or work different jobs, but we will also most certainly see ourselves and the light of Christ present in others. With ageappropriate activities, lessons, videos and meatless recipes, children and adults alike will have the opportunity to learn something new about the transformational power of our faith. As Pope Francis repeatedly reminds us, our prayers and faith-formation should stir us to take action on behalf of our universal family. This Lent that may look like choosing to give up your daily cup of coffee and giving those few dollars to CRS Rice Bowl instead, where 75 percent of the funds go directly to CRS programs that serve the poor and vulnerable in other countries. The remaining 25 percent of the funds stay in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to assist our various parish social
26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • February 2021
ministries that serve those in need here. In South Louisiana we often feel like we haven’t done any meaningful action if there isn’t sweat dripping down our backs afterward. However, we should never underestimate the fact that simply donating money can be truly lifesaving. CRS works in over 100 countries. Parish social ministries exist throughout the diocese. Our donations allow us to reach places we will likely never physically go ourselves, especially this year, when it is safest to stay at home. Our donations allow those in need, many of whom are recovering from disasters, to create a life for themselves, one that is beautiful and acceptable to them. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre sits on the board of CRS and can attest to the countless examples of lives transformed by the funds collected through CRS Rice Bowl. Today, I will give you an example. Over the years, CRS Rice Bowl has provided U.S. Catholics with inspiring stories from around the world
a
