# Doing All I Can – A Lenten Reflection
*2016-03-04*

> Bill Young reflects on the Gospel call to serve the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, linking it to St. Casimir’s example and a prayer for personal action during Lent.

## Opening and Theme

Good morning, this is Bill Young and welcome to Prayer in Lent’s podcast. Today is Friday of the third week of Lent, and we continue reading from our little book *Renew Our Hearts*, a personal invitation to conversion from Pope Francis. The topic for today is “Doing All I Can.” It also relates to today’s feast day, March 4, the feast of St. Casimir of Poland.

## St. Casimir’s Example

Although St. Casimir lived almost five centuries ago, his life offers a powerful model for us. He was the son of the King of Poland, yet he chose to help the poor and needy, giving away his possessions and refusing to pursue a life of war and power. He was a conscientious objector, placing love of God above his father’s wishes. His commitment reminds us that true greatness lies in serving others.

## The Gospel Call (Matthew 25:31‑46)

Matthew 25:31‑46 asks, “When did you see the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, or the prisoner, and did not take care of them?” These verses are the criteria by which we will be judged. They call us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and free those in prison.

## Living the Call in Our Lives

We must ask ourselves whether we have helped others escape the doubt that leads to despair, especially the loneliness that afflicts many. We are called to combat the ignorance that keeps millions, particularly children, trapped in poverty. We are also urged to be close to the lonely and afflicted, to forgive those who have offended us, and to reject anger that breeds violence. Patience, as God shows us, is essential in this work.

## A Prayer for Action

Lord, help me to identify how I can best make the lives of those around me better today. Amen.

*Lent challenges us to do all we can for the least among us, following the example of saints like Casimir and the Gospel’s call to love.*