A sermon on Matthew 5:13-16

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

Children's Hospital is a sacred place. I not only feel God's presence, but I see God present everywhere. I see God present on every floor and in every room. 

What do I see? I see God in every nurse, in every doctor, in every therapist, in the housekeeping staff and in every exhausted parent as they try to sleep in a hospital room to be near their child. I see God's Light of Love shining through them in their good deeds. 

I see God working through so many caregivers making these children's' lives whole just like salt was used to preserve food from decay. I remember one nurse telling me, "Seeing a child smile reminds me of what I am called to do."

One day I was praying over a tiny little baby sleeping comfortably in its mother's arm. A revelation came to me as I beheld this beautiful moment. God created us humans to need one another. We depend on others to sustain our very lives. God needs to work through you to preserve life especially those who cannot care for themselves, just like that little baby. 

Every good deed you do to make the life of another better, to bring healing, to remove suffering, to take away sorrow and offer hope gives great glory to God. This is what calls you to do. You are so important to God because through your very flesh He will care for His people. 

Jesus becomes incarnate again through your body to bring His Light to someone needing to see God, to know He is near when they suffer. "Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16.) You are so important to God just like salt was essential to feed the hungry.

I believe God will put you where He wants you to be so He can use your body to be near to someone in need. All you have to do is show up with an open heart. I was touched by the story of a homeless woman who was sleeping near her husband's grave. A police officer's kindness changed her life for the better. 

A police officer Jamie Pastorello saw a middle-aged woman struggling to walk up a hill as she balanced a cardboard box on her head. Seeing her struggle, he felt compelled to help her. He offered her a ride. Her name was Rhea. She was taking home a box of groceries. 

The officer was stunned when he learned where Rhea was living. She was living near the grave of her beloved deceased husband. After his death, she could no longer work due to grief. She lost their home where they lived for 26 years. Rhea was an independent woman who managed to survive on her own. She would not live in the homeless shelter because of the rampant drug use and violence.

Yet, despite her own struggles, she gladly volunteered to help others by working in the local food pantry. Rhea said, “I just kept giving to others. It was the only way I could keep going.” 

Rhea was a person of deep faith. She said, “God put Jamie there,” she says of the moment she met Pastorello. “He knew I needed help, and He guided me to him.” Officer Pastorello told Rhea, “Rhea, you’re not going to sleep outside again. I’m not going to let that happen.”

Jamie launched a GoFundMe page that raised $27,000 to help Rhea rebuild her life. Tiny Homes for Good reached out to the officer with the offer of a 300-square-foot home where Rhea could find shelter. They became very good friends. Rhea and Jamie talk by phone everyday. He often visits with her for a "coffee break." 

Officer Jamie was amazed how God could use a small act of kindness, giving a ride to a woman carrying groceries, could lead to something so wonderful. “A simple act at the right time can change everything.” Rhea believed her faith guided her through her darkest times. Rhea felt God leading her the most when she felt alone or afraid.

If you carry a heavy cross, know that God sees your struggles. Wait for the Lord with faith. God says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12.) Blessings...Fr. Mike.