"Faith is a verb" said Rabbi Abraham Heschel.  I love that quote and think Jesus would have enjoyed it, too.  For me it sums up what Jesus is saying in Matthew's gospel.  The good servant is aware of and takes care of the needs of his-her household.

This speaks to me of being contemplatives in action.  It is a dream we aspire to become.  It is also a discipline.  We each have to make time to listen to the needs of those for whom we care.  Look with care and compassion to those we love and listen to "what they are yearning for, desirous of, needing."  Then reach out to the other.

Empower them to find ways to answer their problems.  There is such a fine line often between taking care of someone's needs and empowering them.  Which is best at the moment and respects the other's dignity and freedom?

Paul prays for the Thessalonians that the "Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all."  What a good prayer for community.  My prayer for each of us is that we will know HOW to love one another.  Along with Matthew we can pray.

Blessed is the servant alert to the needs of the house!