Be Civilized

1 Aug

“We are at our best when we serve others. Be civilized.” ~ Ira Byock.

Many years ago, Margaret Mead, famed anthropologist, was asked what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture.  She responded by saying that the proof of civilization in a culture was from an ancient femur that had been broken and then healed.

Many people were surprised by that answer but Mead explained that the bone proved that the person was not left behind but rather protected and treated and nursed back to health.  This was not evidenced until then.  If an animal were ever wounded, it would be left behind and eaten by other animals.  To protect, nourish, and heal another, though, well, that was evidence of a huge advancement in civilization.  Mead ended her explanation by stating that “helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.”

You and I have been called by our Lord, Jesus Christ, to advance civilization.  There are many who are wounded.  The world would say that they do not matter, leave them behind.  Jesus tells us that they all matter since they are all created in God’s immortal image and likeness.

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta would claim the same thing as she went out to gather the destitute who were in gutters awaiting death.  She would wash them and put them in clean beds so that they could die with dignity.  She saw Jesus in each of them.

St. Damien of Molokai would state the same thing as he brought lepers together in communities and ministered to their needs and helped them live and die with dignity rather than as outcasts.

Each century, each decade, seems to have destitutes and lepers.  They may have different names attached to them: HIV/AIDS, poor, bums, homeless, and the like.  They are all people created in God’s divine image and they are all in need of love from others.

How fortunate that God has invited us to participate in His very mission of love.  Each time we reach out to someone that has been cast out by others or who lives as an outcast of society, we are doing God’s work and giving dignity to someone who may have felt worthless.

We might never have been in the place of those who live in extreme need; but, if we were, wouldn’t we want someone to come to our aid?  It is not that difficult.  It doesn’t take a lot.  All it takes is a loving heart and a desire to help.

Use the gifts that God has given to you and help others who are in need.  Don’t do it for recognition or reward.  Do it simply because it is the right thing to do.  If you do it in that manner, God, who sees everything that is done in secret, will repay you for being willing to be His servant.

FAITH ACTION:  Don’t wait for an invitation.  If you see someone in need, be the first to help that person.