Good Works

By FATHER DONALD T. DRISCOLL

In the opening prayer at Sunday's Mass, we petition God for two gifts: one, that we may serve him with all our hearts, and two, that we know his forgiveness in our lives.

Isaiah, in speaking with God in the first reading, states the pain and rejection he suffers in his ministry as prophet. With all his problems he affirms that it is the Lord God who will help him, and those who oppose him will grow weary and disappear. He will continue his role as prophet.

In the second reading, James addresses the question of the works that each of us who have been given the gift of faith must produce in our lives. Faith should result in good works that demonstrate the love we have for one another because we have been first loved by God.

In Mark's Gospel this Sunday, Jesus challenges his close disciples by questioning them about who the people say he is. Hearing that the people are confused he then challenges the Apostles to state who they think he is. He prepares them for his ultimate sacrifice, his final work of his passion, death and resurrection to redeem mankind.

Everyone is given the opportunity to do good works for the sake of the kingdom of God. Each must decide exactly how to fulfill the requirement to present good works to the Lord.

Next weekend, throughout the Archdiocese of New York we have an opportunity to do good works. Sunday, Sept. 24, has been named "Recovery Sunday." This is a day of prayer for families and individuals suffering with or in recovery from an addictive illness.

If we can reach out to those suffering from addiction of any kind: drugs, alcohol or any addictive behaviors, if we can offer prayers daily for those who are suffering and need our help, if we can in some way offer hope to those who have no hope, then our good works will fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities, which is simply put: "Love in Action"--faith with good works.

Father Driscoll is chaplain at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Chapel at the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg.