Being there for each other and being available helps us live out His call
By Deacon Bob Hunt
The universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her Savior. What does it mean to be holy? Most simply, I think, it means learning every day how to love a little better. This is how we love others—by being Christ for them, bringing Christ to them, and seeing Christ in them.
There is no human condition on earth that cannot benefit from the presence of Christ among men and women, and we are to be that presence whatever the circumstances. It starts in the home, of course, where we are to be Christ for those with whom we live, either family members or members of a religious community. This may be the most difficult place to be Christ for others, for in the home we are so often tempted to take each other for granted. We rather assume that our family loves us and desires what’s best for us. But how do we live that love? Saying the words, “I love you” can go a long way.
Years ago, I shared in a small group of young adults (when I was one!) how grateful I was that my mother and I had said, “I love you” to each other every day. My mother passed away when I was 17, and at this point it had already been some years since I lost her. I was able to look back on the memory of our shared expressions of love with gratitude. A young woman in the group started to cry. She admitted that she had never told her mother that she loved her. Such a simple thing, yet it had never happened. I suspect she called her mother that day and told her that she loved her. I hope so.
Being there for each other is another way we can “be Christ for all.” During my illnesses last year, my wife, Margaret, was always there. She didn’t merely drop me off at the ER door. She dropped me off, parked the car, then came in to be with me. She didn’t have to. There was nothing she could do to improve my situation, and for the most part I was able to speak for myself to the medical staff. Nevertheless, she stayed. She sat with me. She offered what comfort she could when I was writhing in pain or helped me to calm down when the pain was too much. You might think, being my wife, that’s what’s expected of her. I certainly wasn’t thinking about what was expected of her at the time. All I cared about is that she was there. Being there is often the most concrete and meaningful way of expressing love to another. Jesus promised, “… behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He is with us. Wherever we are, He is there. To “be Christ for all” often means being there for them, regardless of what’s expected, or whether there’s anything you can do or not.
Being available is another way to “be Christ for all.” At one ER visit, Margaret was out of town. I needed a ride home. I called Mark Williamson, director of religious education at Holy Ghost Parish. Could he pick me up? Without hesitation, he drove to the hospital, picked me up, and brought me home. He was Christ to me by being available to me. When I lived in Memphis years ago, there was a Missionaries of Charity house in north Memphis that served the community in a variety of ministries. Interested in volunteering, I called one morning. A Sister answered, and I gave my name and told her I was interested in volunteering. “Good,” she said. “Can you come now?” “Excuse me?” I replied. “Can you come now?” she repeated. “Uh … well,” I hesitated, but then succumbed, “… I guess so.” “Good,” she quickly said. “Come now!” So, I got in my car and went. Frankly, I didn’t expect to be called on my offer to volunteer so quickly. I thought she might tell me of the various ministries they provide, we could consult a schedule, see what and when would be a good fit for me. “Come now!” took me by surprise but also challenged me to be good on my word. Jesus needs us when He needs us, and sometimes that means, “Come now!” Being available, even at a moment’s notice, is a way of loving others, a way to “be Christ for all.”
“Be Christ for all” means loving others as Christ loves them. He was Himself, and as Himself He served and saved. We are called to do the same.
Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.
Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville. He is author of the book “Thy Word: An Introduction to the Bible for People in the Pews.”
