Generosity and Hope

I am greatly impressed by the goodness and generosity of people throughout the world who are coming to the aid of Haiti. There has been so much depressing news of late but the uplifting news is that nations, corporations, businesses and people of every race, nationality and religion, throughout the world, have come through for the people of Haiti. It's very encouraging. A special celebrity telethon on "Larry King Live," raised more than $8 million in disaster relief. There has been an outpouring from Americans. They have given hundreds of millions of dollars and money continues to be raised by charities. Text messaging and social media has made it easier for people to give. Celebrities who have a lot to be thankful for are continuing to make large donations. Leonardo DiCaprio recently donated $1 million to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. George Clooney has also donated $1 million to the Haiti relief. 

Tonight CNN's Anderson Cooper, (who has done a remarkable job reporting from Haiti, along with the other journalists who are there), will co-host a 'Hope for Haiti' charity telethon. It will be a commercial-free global telethon. George Clooney will host from LA and Wyclef Jean from NYC. There will be live performances by celebrities. I'm sure it will raise millions more for this important cause. 

The people of the world came together to support a good cause and to respond to the "poorest of the poor." They have a desire to help, to share and to give. It is showing the best of humanity. If only, it could always be this way, such a united response to the suffering of others. People helping other people in need, showing care and concern. "Loving thy neighbor as thyself "....  it would be the world as it was meant to be.

Besides the moving images of people being rescued from the rubble, the images that I found hopeful and compelling were the orphans who were being brought to the United States to be united with families who adopted them. What extraordinary people to open their hearts and homes to these children, who have nothing. These children are being given a chance to live a good life. The children were shown hugging tightly these generous people, who were adopting them. They were beautiful images of hope and goodness. Each child was being given the dignity and love each human being is entitled to.  This is the best of humanity, human beings doing God's work in the world, being the hands of Christ for others.

NJA

Gifts for the Infant Jesus

In an attempt to cultivate a spirit of giving and generosity, I ask my sons each year what they would like to give for Christmas to help others, along with what they would like. My family has made a donation to Heifer International for the last few years, to help the poor.  I read an article years ago, which suggested that we ask children, "What would you like to give for Christmas," instead of, "What do you want to get for Christmas?" 

I was reading in the Long Island Catholic this morning about an idea developed by the Office of New Evangelization in the Diocese of Rockville Center, that I loved.

The Office is initiating a week of prayer for all children. The director of the new office, Franciscan Brother James McVeigh was quoted as saying, "As we prepare for Christmas we are trying to awaken in the hearts of all the faithful to look to the Infant Jesus. The Infant Jesus embraces all, especially needy children....As children get ready for Christmas, it is important for them to learn that there are many children who are suffering." The week of prayer will begin on Sunday, Dec. 13th. There will be prayers with different petitions for each day of the week. Children will be praying for homeless and hungry children, orphans and victims of war, and others. Brother James said, "We are uniting in prayer to the Infant Jesus for our children and youth by encouraging our families to pray for different groups of children each day. Showing our love and concern for these troubled children witnesses a powerful example that the Catholic Church cares for the spiritual and temporal welfare of all our children."

What a great Advent idea! The prayers will be available online and I will download them to pray along with all the children, youth and families that will be praying these prayers during Advent. 

Prayers are available at the office's website at-http://drvc.org/new-evangelization-office/new evangelization.html

NJA

Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.  St. Augustine

Everything that lives, lives not alone, nor for itself.  William Blake