by Sister Martha Torbik
In reflecting on our Lenten theme of “Mercy Works!” I was drawn back to a visit I made at the Gettysburg National Military Park a few years ago. My Licensed Battlefield Guide, Ed Guy, was exceptional, sharing interesting and uncommon information. An example: battle casualties were so massive, and supplies, even blankets, in such very short supply that the seriously wounded were simply but sadly left to die of their injuries.
After the tour, Ed told me he wrote a Divine Mercy Chaplet based on acts of compassion during and after the battle. One was of a wounded soldier covered with a blanket and placed next to a shivering soldier (in July). He didn’t have a blanket because his injuries were grievous, and it was felt he’d die soon. The wounded soldier used his blanket to cover the dying soldier. The man passed soon after, greatly comforted by another’s compassion.
The Pandemic offers unique opportunities to show compassion and caring to others. Our formal Corporal Works of Mercy give us the framework…the unexpected situations all around us give us the ways. See how concrete or creative you can be as Lent unfolds… Give drink to the thirsty can be so much more than extending a cup of water:
- Donate to and tell others about The Navajo Water Projectwhich brings water to homes on the Navajo Nation without indoor plumbing, an urgent need when hand cleansing is so critical. *See video:
- Advocate for The Clean Water for All Campaignand add your voice to the millions of Americans who want to protect clean water:
- Stop water pollution and help strengthen protections of our water resources by “Taking Action” with and/or donate to Earthjustice, a nonprofit public interest environmental law organization fighting for a healthy environment for all – “As officials hear from Earthjustice attorneys in court, outside the courtroom, they’re hearing from you”:
- For just $35.00, you can give a family in the U.S. or another country a new Hand-washing Stationand all the needed materials and maintenance for one year. Go here.
Video – watch here
