The unexpected ministries of life are everywhere. The physician has been on call and is about to go home when one of his patients takes a turn for the worse. The doctor turns around to help. The working mother comes home to cook, help with homework, clean and prepare for the next day. She finally sits to rest. A crying child climbs on her lap wanting comfort. A tired priest devotes time and energy reading the Gospels, preparing for a homily or a mission retreat is called that a dying person needs him. He rushes to his bedside. A caring adult child is up helping her elderly mother in the middle of the night .
The common thread in these scenarios is not that plans were interrupted but that every one who was called to serve and help is encountering God in their own personal way. Their strength, passion and compassion is found in the example of Jesus. Do what is right, do it with love all because of Him. We become more like Him by loving as He loves. Each one does what they need to do, lovingly and caringly.
Let the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with the needed graces to be generous with our time. Out of love do not hesitate to serve others. May we find joy in the unexpected and the unplanned events of our lives.
