‘Where can I see this good news in action?’
Although we can read about it and hear about it, the good news of radical discipleship only makes sense when we see it in action. So many people, in history and in the world today, have chosen to take this path of downward mobility, setting their face against the world’s obsession with success and image, and seeking the image of God in the forgotten and destitute. People like Father Damien as he moves to Moloka’i to live among the lepers for 16 years, sharing their joys and hardships, eventually succumbing to leprosy himself. Or Dorothy Day, who fed, clothed and housed the poor of the Depression while speaking out against war and violence.
In Australia and beyond, there are dozens of communities and organisations who have been inspired by Jesus to serve on the margins. These are some of them: Concern Australia, UNOH, Urban Seed, Catholic Worker, InnerChange, Servants to Asia’s Urban Poor, Waiter’s Union and The Simple Way.
Although this river of justice and compassion comes from one source, it has many branches. Visit some of these places and people and dip your toe in the water.
