June 2018 SPECIAL EDITION June 2015 Issue | Page 8

June 2015
Continued from page 1

Too often, we miss opportunities to help because we elevate our own importance. Because our heads are
too big for our hats, we fail to live one of Jesus’ prime directives. What is that? Well, it’s our living Jesus
saying, “I came to serve and not be served.”
When the Church’s Cardinals were gathering to elect Saint Pope John Paul II’s successor, a TV
photographer captured a graphic image of what not to do. It was raining. A limousine stopped and a chauffeur
got out. The chauffeur opened an umbrella, but he did not protect himself. He got wet as he walked to open the
limo’s rear door. A Cardinal, dressed to the nines, got out and stepped under the umbrella. The chauffeur held
the umbrella over the Cardinal’s head. The chauffeur got progressively more drenched as the Cardinal and he
walked toward a rather distant door.
I believe Jesus would have shared the umbrella with the chauffeur. He might even have held it over the
chauffeur’s head as he, the Son of God, got wet. Jesus understood little acts of service.
Our current pontiff, Pope Francis, also understands. Pope Francis drives a small car, a Ford Focus. He
encourages all priests to follow his lead. And, oh by the way, unless it’s a formal ceremony, Pope Francis drives
himself. No chauffeur. It’s a little, but Christ-like, example of being a Good Shepherd/Good Steward.
Here’s a modern parable based on a true story. Henry was told his daughter’s co-worker, Elise, needed a
kidney transplant. Henry got tested. He was a match. Henry now lives with just one kidney, just as Elise does.
Henry understands big acts of service.
The Son of God looked down from heaven. He saw us. He saw our need. He saw a cross. He didn’t
hesitate.
Get the idea? To the Son of God, we are sheep. Intelligent enough to accept divine help. Intelligent
enough to pass on what he teaches us. Intelligent enough to know our job is to be Good Stewards and always
look for umbrellas to carry and kidneys to give.

SAFE
If you are unable to care for your baby and the baby's wellbeing is in danger, you can bring the newborn up to 60 days
old to an emergency designated facility or Safe Haven site.
By leaving the baby in the care of an employee at a Safe Haven facility, parents can give up custody of the newborn with
no questions asked.

LEGAL
As long as the parent leaves their baby with an employee and
the baby shows no signs of abuse or neglect, the parent can
legally walk away with no questions asked.

ANONYMOUS
Parents do not have to give their name or any other information. Safe Haven employees keep everything confidential.
Parents can call 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373) to
learn about their parental rights or anonymously give medical information about their baby to be used for adoption purposes.
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