Obligation to the poor?

[Nick]

I decided that it would be a good idea for Lent for me to volunteer at a local Catholic food distribution center. However, I have decided to wait until some of my family can go with me because I am a little nervous about going by myself. I am always nervous about new things like this. My question is, do you think that I will be committing a sin of ommission by waiting a week or two and not volunteering immediately when it would be relatively easy for me to do so? Does the Church oblige all the faithful to actually spend time volunteering to help the poor, or is it enough to pray for them and donate money? thank you for your help.

 

[Della]

No one is obliged to help out at any particular kind of apostolate during Lent. If your heart is directing you to this one, then I’d say go and trust in God. Although, if it is in an unsafe part of town and you don’t want to go alone, there’s nothing wrong with waiting until others can go with you. In the meantime, volunteer at your parish to babysit the little ones during Mass or help out in other ways the parish might need you. Or boost what you are giving to missions and outreach programs. And if you really are bothered by all this, talk to one of your priests who will be happy to direct you to some good activities. And God bless you for wanting to do something good during Lent.

 

[JMJ_Theresa]

Nick:

I decided that it would be a good idea for Lent for me to volunteer at a local Catholic food distribution center. However, I have decided to wait until some of my family can go with me because I am a little nervous about going by myself. I am always nervous about new things like this. My question is, do you think that I will be committing a sin of ommission by waiting a week or two and not volunteering immediately when it would be relatively easy for me to do so? Does the Church oblige all the faithful to actually spend time volunteering to help the poor, or is it enough to pray for them and donate money? thank you for your help.

I can really relate. I have anxiety problems over doing anything new. I drive my husband nuts. I don’t think it is a sin to wait, but I think it will help you become stronger to do it. The more I try to work past my anxieties rather than catering to them, the less anxieties I have. I also think that if you don’t do it because of your anxieties, you will always regret it. And, if you are like me, you will beat yourself up over it.

I think working at a distribution center would be a great project. It might help if you just tell whoever is supervising that it is your first time and you are a little nervous. Then the pressure is off.

I’m sorta reading between the lines on the anxiety issue. Forgive me if it is not really a big problem for you like it is for me.

 

[lukechap6]

Matthew 25 outlines our obligations to the poor-

34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
37 Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?
38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing?
39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’
40 And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

How we live out our obligations in our particular circumstances is up to us to discern by the diligent examination of our conscience. If you however feel high levels of anxiety before doing a particular action then its no sin to wait till you feel safer IMO.

 

[BillyT92679]

The nerves that you are feeling are something good to offer up to the Lord as well.

If you really cannot do it, then wait, but I would certainly make an effort to try.

Doing works of mercy for the poor is the pinnacle of charity.

 

[epower]

I had the same dilemma. I am extremely shy. I was involved with a young adult mnistry group. They were going to meet up at a soup kitchen. I showed up outside, and there was no one else from the group there. I debated whether or not to go home.

I decided to try it once. I ended up helping out for several years. The people I met there were some of the nicest that I had ever known.