So a good starting point for us to consider might be this: How essential is Christ to me and my life? As Catholic Christians we believe that we have been made in the image and likeness of God; that we share in His Divine Attributes: that we are comprised of His Mercy, His Compassion, His Love and His Charity. And that is a wonderful starting place—and enough for us to be sure that to God, and hopefully to one another, we are “essential.”

The Gospel today also calls us to believe in that which we have been created in. Christ is the Word of God made flesh. Christ is the human form (also divine) of the living God. And by Baptism we are called to live out our lives in His Word and Deed—His breath of life and to become His Actions in the world. Notice I capitalized His Word “Action.” Why? Because if we have been created in the likeness and image of God, and if we have been created to be His Light to the world, then we must BE something…we must be living, breathing, actions of Christ
and His Light.

Examples you ask? Feed the Hungry, St. Elizabeth House, Street Sandwich Ministry, Pantry Partners, Manny’s Meals—all providing nourishment both for the body (food) and concern (for the soul) that someone actually cares about me. The Advent Giving Tree and the money raised to provide medical care through the Knights of Malta Mobile Care Vans or the assistance provided via our Neighbors in Need fund; and, the Lenten Mercy Project that brings goods and services to Catholic and non-Catholic organizations doing God’s work: from the Little Sisters of the Poor in Enfield to Gifts of Love in Avon, Eucharistic Ministers bringing Holy Communion
to neighbors, Youth Ministry projects reaching out into the community to care for the elderly or the forgotten; Faith Formation’s work to restock the pantries at Eno Hall or at St. Justin’s in Hartford; Lectors, altar servers, ushers, Faith Formation, knitters making shawls for the grieving or the ill and prays being prayed for numerous needs—and so much more.

All of these Actions are signs of the living, breathing God in our midst. This IS faith—and it is faith lived out. This is the essence, the meaning and the essential workers and work that the Lord commands us to be in today’s gospel, and He reminds us of the unconditional love of God which comes with accountability when He says: Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” Let us continue to acknowledge the Lord in word and deed as is done so well by the people of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. For we are all essential in God’s eyes.