Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves
“The second commandment is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Mark 12:31
Dear Friends,
Joy to the world! The Lord is come! The Lord’s coming has brought us peace with the promise of salvation. Jesus teaches us that loving our neighbors as ourselves is the second greatest commandment after loving God “with all your heart…soul…mind…and strength.”
Jesus talks about these commandments again in Luke 10:25-37 as the way to eternal life. A disciple asks him to define “neighbor.” Jesus proceeds to tell the story of the Good Samaritan, finishing by asking the disciple who he thought was the neighbor to the robbed man. After the disciple answered that it was the one who showed mercy (the Good Samaritan), Jesus simply says, “Go and do likewise.”
You are loving your neighbors in Jamaica, Bolivia, Brazil and the U.S. by easing their suffering and bringing joy in ways that you probably don’t even know. For example, if I said you helped fund a “commercial ice maker” for a meal center in Tampa would you know what it really means? In the Florida heat, people visiting Trinity Café are dehydrated and at risk of passing out. Being able to offer a cold drink of water or iced tea is such a blessing.
The “Franciscan Home Promoting Life” program in Pires do Rio, Brazil is a center of reference and support for families in need. The program helps 35 families through Christian and Franciscan spirituality, arts and crafts, therapeutic workshops, prayer and ecology education. A Mission Society grant helped with furniture, equipment, and office and educational materials.
“It was wonderful to receive financial resources to subsidize direct action for human development. It warms my heart and gives me love and faith in the constant fight for our brothers and sisters, especially the neediest.” ─ Sr. Ana Christina Silva, OSF
Do you know what a difference you made in helping fund “outdoor lavatories” in Kingston, Jamaica? Every month, 150 poor and sick older adults arrive at our Sisters’ convent to receive food and medicine. They sometimes wait outside for three hours without reprieve. The new shower, toilets and sinks now give them comfort.
The St. Elizabeth Mission Society awarded grants totaling $113,500 in January and July. The total need was $225,284. We will also give $55,200 (or $4,600/month) in ongoing support this year. There are still more needs, however, like school lunches, tuition at the teacher’s college, assistance to new mothers, sewing materials for entrepreneurship and leadership training.
St. Aloysius Primary School in Kingston, Jamaica received a St. Elizabeth Mission Society grant this year to help replace old windows that were a safety hazard.
The Mission Society also provides $250/month to support St. Aloysius’ Breakfast Program. Beginning the day with a hot meal for 30-40 students and teachers has helped improve attendance. For many, this is their only opportunity for breakfast.
I ask you to prayerfully consider a gift that will bring joy to one who has so very little.
On behalf of all the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, thank you for your mercy for those who are poor. You have helped our Sisters and their partners in ministry be the hands and feet of Christ in Jamaica, Brazil, Bolivia and the United States.
May your Christmas be filled with everlasting joy,
Laura Whitford
President, St. Elizabeth Mission Society
Click HERE for the 2017 Christmas Appeal
To view and order our 2017 Joy to the World Christmas Card, click HERE.
May your home be warmed by the love of the Savior… your hearts wrapped in His peace… and your new year filled with His overflowing joy. Merry Christmas!
