Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. - Mark

In most Catholic parishes an almost invisible small group of lay volunteers visit the homes of people threatened with eviction or running out of food or other emergencies. They assess the needs and meet them with donations provided by fellow parishioners. However, they work so quietly that many people don’t know much about the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

So here’s a shout out for these heroes of today’s church who prioritize the needs of the poor as Jesus demands in today’s gospel from Mark. They aren’t alone. I think about those who volunteer at homeless shelters, food pantries and similar programs.

Even if they continue to live comfortable lives in nice homes, as most such people do, they don’t need to worry about camels passing through needles eyes to enter heaven. They bring the Church’s “preferential option for the poor” to life.

But far from being solemn and noble, most such people that I know are fun to be around because they get joy from serving others and having a purpose in life greater than their own pleasure.

For years I had a poster quoting Dr. Albert Schweitzer, a Protestant medical missionary, saying that the happy people are those who have sought and found how to serve. I’ve always found that to be true.

Take a note from St. Ignatius and discern when you feel good about yourself. I’ll bet it’s when you’ve done something kind for someone or thrown $20 into a Red Kettle instead of $5. Jesus asks us to make such giving, including giving our time and talents, a way of life, not just an occasional gesture.

And think of your possessions. What would you miss if you contributed more and consumed less? How many outfits do you own that you never wear? How fancy a car do you need to get from Point A to Point B?

If you want to be happy while you “store up treasures in heaven,” there’s no better way than volunteering for the St. Vincent de Paul Society or Salvation Army, a homeless shelter, food pantry or similar groups. They need you!