There’s a story about a young missionary who spotted a woodcutter at work in a forest. “What a perfect opportunity for me to make a convert for Jesus,” he thought when he learned the woodcutter had never heard of Jesus Christ.

All day as the man chopped wood, carried it to his wagon, and walked back to chop another load, the young missionary spoke to him about Christ. Finally, near the end of the day, he asked, “Well, are you ready to accept Jesus Christ?”

“I don’t know,” replied the woodcutter. “All day you spoke to me of this Jesus who helps us with all our burdens, yet you never helped me with mine.”

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus sends his followers to the places he intends to visit. The instructions are clear: they are not to weigh themselves down with a lot of stuff. There is an urgency that is evident. There is both a practical side, and a more spiritual side to the message: on one hand, they are to cure the sick, and on the other, they are to proclaim, “The kingdom of God is at hand for you.”

The psychologist Abraham Maslow analyzed the types of needs that people have, and he came up with a “hierarchy of needs,” beginning with the most basic, and then spelling them out in order.

Physiological needs: Basic necessities

like food, water, and shelter.

Safety needs: Security, stability, and

protection.

Love and belonging: Social connections,

relationships, and a sense of belonging.

Esteem: Self-esteem, recognition, and

respect from others.

Self-actualization: Fulfillment of one's potential and personal growth.

The young missionary in the story with which I began had a wonderful message, I’m sure. The problem was that, in his inexperience, he didn’t understand human nature. If he had offered to help the woodcutter to do his job and provide for his family, that would have (hopefully) opened the door, not only to the wood cutter’s head but also his heart. The missionary would thus have shown that he cared about the woodcutter in the concrete, and not just in the abstract.

I think there is a powerful message for us as Christians today. Recent activity in Washington appears to be leading to cuts in programs that have provided assistance to the poorer members of our society, including children. For example, articles in local newspapers report that food insecurity in our area is on the rise by about 13%.

Now, if we, as modern-day missionaries, not in some distant place, but right here where we live—if we want to bring the Christian message to the world, we need to keep the hierarchy of needs in mind. We feed the hungry, and we do so because we are followers of Jesus Christ. When others see our concern, and the practical help we want to offer, then they will see love in action.

Here’s an interesting biblical passage that makes the point. In the Letter of St. James we read, “My brothers [and sisters], what good is it to profess faith without practicing it? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day, and you say to them, ‘Good-bye and good luck! Keep warm and well fed,’ but do not meet their bodily needs, what good is that? So it is with the faith that does nothing in practice. It is thoroughly lifeless” (James 2:14-17).

We in this parish are known for our hospitality and our outreach and support for our neighbors in need. But I have a feeling that the demands are going to grow. And that puts a challenge before us. Will our response grow with the need? Will more of us put our faith into action? Will we leave it up to someone else, or will every one of us get involved to the extent we are able?

Consider the possibilities. Many bring food items on a regular basis, wanting to share some of their bounty with those who have little. One day I was in Aldi’s and I saw boxes of diapers on sale: seventy-five diapers for about $13.50. While I have never bought a diaper in my life, I picked up three boxes, sizes 4, 5 ad 6, to be given out to those who need them at Community Meals. On another occasion, Fr. Goni and I were in JC Penney. I noticed a whole rack of winter coats and jackets that were on sale. So, rather than shopping for ourselves, we bought the whole rack of coats and jackets: over $1,400 worth of clothing for around $400. Again, we gave the coats to the Community Meals volunteers to distribute. I was told that one man marveled at getting a brand-new winter jacket. It was the first new one he had ever had.

So, do you see? The opportunities abound if we think in practical terms about what our poorer neighbors might need. Clearly the need is great—growing all the time. It will take a huge commitment, and much love, on our parts to respond. But together, we can make a difference.