Even the smallest gestures of charity bring hope to those in need, writes Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
There is a saying often attributed to St Teresa of Calcutta that has stayed with me over the years: “What we do may seem like a drop in the ocean, but without that drop, the ocean would be less because of it.”
It is a simple thought, yet it speaks powerfully about Christian charity. The needs of our world can seem overwhelming, leaving us to wonder whether our efforts really make a difference.
Yet no act of love is ever wasted. No generous heart is ever forgotten. No helping hand is ever insignificant.
During my recent visit to Lebanon, I joined Archbishop Paolo Borgia (Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon), Fr Giuseppe Francone (Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature), Bishops Charbel Abdallah, Simon Faddoul and Georges Bakhouni, together with Fr Samir Ghawi (President of Caritas Lebanon) and Patricia Sfeir (director of the World Patriarchal Foundation) on a pastoral and humanitarian visit to the villages of South Lebanon.
From early morning until evening, we travelled together to meet families, encourage local communities and witness a beautiful work of mercy. As part of this initiative, 25 trucks carrying food, essential supplies and toys were delivered to families in need across the region.
I am deeply grateful to the generous faithful of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, whose kindness helped provide three of these trucks. This humanitarian effort was made possible through the collaboration of the World Patriarchal Foundation, Caritas Lebanon and other generous organisations.
Our journey took us through the Christian villages of Debel, Ain Ebel and Rmeich, communities that have borne the heavy burden of the recent conflict. We met local families, visited the renovation of an old hospital and were welcomed by parish priests and faithful.
Everywhere we went, we encountered people whose faith remains remarkably strong in the face of hardships that continue to test them.
One of the most beautiful moments of the day came as toys, footballs and World Cup flags were distributed to the children. Their smiles returned almost instantly. Soon, streets once marked by sorrow echoed with laughter as children played together until late into the evening.
These moments reminded me that the Corporal Works of Mercy are never simply acts of charity. They are encounters with Christ Himself. When we feed the hungry or care for those in need, we make visible the compassionate heart of the Gospel and remind people they have not been forgotten.
Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay is the Maronite Bishop of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.
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A journey of mercy to South Lebanon (The Catholic Weekly)
