In his book, Alive in God, Timothy Radcliffe shares the Catholic Relief Services of America’s reason for helping the poor: “We are called to help others not because they believe, or because they might someday believe, but because we believe.”

This statement says a lot about active faith. Our belief in Jesus is not a mere creedal statement but an action, a verb. It is not solely a proclamation but a transformation of people’s hearts and lives. It’s a call to share what we have, to reach out to someone in compassion and love. It changes lives, brings hope, and inspires others to serve.

It’s the urging of the Spirit to respond to the call for help in our church, to share one’s time and talent, not just one’s treasure. Ultimately, it’s a realization of what gives meaning, purpose, and joy in one’s life.

We all look for a fulfilling and purposeful life. Well, let’s search no more elsewhere because anywhere else will not satisfy us. It’s only the person of Jesus Christ— his life, passion, death, and resurrection—that would fill our hunger and quench our thirst.

Our communion with Jesus in prayer, worship, and service gives us life, passion, patience, endurance, and hope.

For those of us who are involved in service, whether it is in family, community, or society, we firmly believe self-sacrifice for the sake of love like that of Christ gives us a non-perishable life. Not only do our noble love and profound care for others stay in the hearts and minds of people around us, but they also lead us to eternal life. It’s Christ’s promise for us. It’s why Jesus says in the Gospel this Sunday: “I am the bread of life whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Let’s all say this prayer every day, “Lord, give us this bread always!”

Your loving pastor,

Fr. Rodel "Odey" Balagtas