Liberty & Justice , continued from page 9 to immigration . It saddens me that so many people feel crushed by poverty and forgotten by politicians beholden to wealthy donors . We are many times their last hope for justice .
As Precious Blood Volunteers , we not only help the poor , we are the poor . Of course , there is the caveat that volunteers choose to live simply for a year , rather than endure a lifetime of unrelenting poverty by necessity . Nonetheless , this intentional pillar of the Precious Blood program is one its most wonderfully uncomfortable and growth-inducing aspects . I now understand why religious orders take vows of poverty . It is not a punishment ; it is an opportunity to critically examine what we value and how few material things we actually need to be happy . It is truly a gift that shows every good thing we have is from God alone . In fact , most material comforts are merely an obstacle to holiness ( iPhone , I ’ m looking at you ).
As a child , thanks to my family , I never had to think about food , shelter , or clothing — they just appeared . Later , in college and law school , thanks to my good friend “ Sallie Mae ,” I was able to mindlessly shop when I was bored , perusing endless aisles of fluorescent lit products I soon felt I couldn ’ t live without . I slowly amassed closets full of designer clothes , yet I still felt empty and restless . This undoubtedly first-world problem was nonetheless a true poverty , borne of the lack of a deep relationship with our Creator .
Now on my modest volunteer stipend , I no longer have the so-called “ luxury ” of mindless — and frankly egotistical — consumerism . I am happy with everything I can fit in two suitcases , and smile to realize it is still more than enough . Through this experience , I have learned that the fewer possessions I have , the more room I have to grow in love and charity . In the long run , self-denial is the road to freedom because we are freed of unhealthy attachments that separate us from God . Especially during Lent , I found myself called to reflect on these truths and learn them through experience .
As a completely unexpected side benefit of this life lesson , forced to become a less vapid person , I have picked up a hobby that is both free and incredibly liberating : running !
Beginning in October , a month after I arrived in Kansas City , I started to run basically on a whim . I didn ’ t have a goal other than to run a mile without stopping . Soon I had conquered the 5k distance , and by January I ran a 10k race after a weeklong battle with the flu . Now I am training for my first half-marathon , which is coming up on April 14 th . In September , I will conquer the full distance , 26.2 miles , at the Air Force Marathon in my hometown of Dayton , Ohio .
Beyond the physical and mental benefits of training , there is something profoundly inspirational about continuing to put one foot in front of the other despite pain and exhaustion . It ’ s something Jesus did to the extreme during his passion , when he felt the loneliest and abandoned . It is something I see my clients do every day at Legal Aid . It something I still need to work on in my own incredibly privileged life .
As I meditated on Christ ’ s passion throughout the waning days of Lent , I was reminded that in every seemingly hopeless situation , God is there waiting to comfort . Remaining optimistic despite fear and pain is something I am gradually learning with every client helped , every mile run , and every law outline studied . No matter the outcome , God is semper fidelis ( always faithful ). The true test is whether or not we as “ the faithful ” live up to that name .
Soon , God willing , I will be practicing law as an attorney . I will apply the laws of Ohio to assist clients with their legal needs . In this sense , I will be seeking individual justice . In the broader sense , with every case I will seek to reinforce the self-evident truth that all men and women are created equal .
Lest we forget , Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it . Through his death and resurrection , he made it possible for everyone to be saved if they freely choose Him . As we witness and celebrate the Easter miracle in 2018 , let us ask ourselves if we are living according to God ’ s law as He has called us to do .
And what exactly does that look like ? As always , the Gospel is a good place to start . “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . This is the first and greatest commandment . And the second is like it : Love your neighbor as yourself ” ( Matthew 22:36-39 ). �
10 • The New Wine Press • April 2018