A CALL TO SOLIDARITY
from the Desk of Sr. Martha GomezIt is with great sadness that we faced a painful and difficult flash flooding devastation in our diocese and state of West Virginia. It is now a very important time for us to hear the message of solidarity from our Bishop Mark Brennan, who has designated a special Diocesan-wide collection to help with the recovery efforts in the Ohio and Marion Counties.
I like many woke up on Sunday morning, June 15, not having any idea of the living nightmare that had occurred in our beautiful communities. I received an email that Very Rev. Carlos Melocoton, V.F., sent to all the members of the Wheeling Vicariate asking us to gather parishioners to not only pray, but also to start collecting cleaning materials, canned food, etc., to help those affected by the flooding.
My eyes, ears, and heart opened, as soon after, I became aware of all the loss of precious lives, wide-spread devastation, and unbelievable damage caused by this flood.
I live near and often visit patients and caregivers of Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Wheeling. I heard firsthand accounts of the tragedy as several employees from the nursing home live in the flash flooded areas. It is heartbreaking to hear of the surprising torrents which caused terrible damage to their homes, especially their basements, and their vehicles which some of them were pulled away from their driveway or garages as if they were weightless.
On Monday, going to work at the Chancery office, we learned some of our co-workers and their immediate families are among those dealing with clean up and material losses. Then saw outside of the Ohio Valley the flooding that took place in Monongalia County, and the flash flood that ruined homes and properties in Marion County, displacing so many – young and old alike.
In the midst of all this sadness we can find hope. There is the silver lining – the outpouring of generosity not only from adults, but also from our youth, who together pulled up their sleeves to start giving their service, talents, and prayers to those in need.
In a recent Daily Meditation by Richard Rohr, he reminded us of the Catholic priest Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) who wrote of the joy we experience through the love of God:
“Joy is a gift that is there even when we are sorrowful, even when we are in pain, even when things are difficult in our lives. The joy that Jesus offers is a joy that exists in very, very difficult situations.”
Without a doubt, this is a very sad and difficult time. I like many have so many emotions and feelings. So let’s remind ourselves that God is visible among us. See and feel the sincere thoughtfulness of mankind right now. God must be very pleased with the outpouring of generosity. Let us continue to make a difference.We are known as resilient people, together we can overcome.
In the Gospel we are reminded that “God loves the cheerful giver.” Let our joy not depend upon circumstances but let it depend on the “Lord – giver of all.”
Richard Rohr says, “When we can face our own painful situation, we will discover that hidden in the pain is the treasure—a joy that is there for us to experience here and now. It is very important that we get in touch with this. That is what the spiritual life—the life with God—is about. It is being in touch with that love that becomes joy in us. Underneath all our fluctuations is a deep solid divine stream that is called joy.”
I wish for you today to experience the joy of giving of yourself to those in need!For those who lost their loved ones, our prayers and sincere sympathy continue. For those who lost property, precious memories, and livelihood, we want you to know that we stand in solidarity with you and we hope and pray that you receive the help you need.
As you know our Bishop Mark Brennan is calling us to be “Christ for Others.” It’s through the help of one another that God is present in our midst.
It always gives me such joy when I help others, I hope you feel the same because we need each other, especially in these turbulent times when Mother Nature reminds us that we better take care of each other and our planet. Let us be generous with our time and talents to help our brothers and sisters in need and at the same time be mindful of those who need financial support.
Let us embrace this challenge and better our lives and the lives of others – brothers and sisters in Christ.Blessings,
Sister Martha Gomez, RGS
Delegate for Consecrated Life Office
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
