Doing God's Work?

Not long ago, I felt like I was lacking empathy, and as I read St. John of the Cross, I felt a call to care for the poor and needy as a way to learn more about God’s love. That led me to start attending Thursday mercy nights, where we serve soup to the homeless. Little did I know, this would be just the beginning.

Since then, I’ve become a Mercy Missionary, spending four days a week on the streets and meeting people who have quickly become unusual friends. Through them, I’ve begun to see just how amazing and boundless God’s love truly is—something I know I’ll never fully comprehend. Each encounter has helped grow my heart a bit more, especially a moment with a man named David. We shared a bench one day, and as he opened up about his life, I could almost see myself in his place and him in mine. It was a humbling reminder of how precious and fragile each of us is, and how God’s love holds us all.

Since that day, I try my best to bring that same love to those I meet. It is difficult however, because I have many flaws. Those flaws help me to realize everyday that I go out there not to do God’s work but that God can do His work through me. 

~Michael Ivezic