Looking to the Future

“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us, and help everyone gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.”
—Pope Francis

As we near the close of 2024, our memories of Christmas are just behind us; as the first days of Hanukkah coincide with Kwanzaa, our thoughts turn to the year ahead—a year of inevitable challenges yet also filled with the everyday miracles brought about by our commitment to serving others.

At St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, we look forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm, fully aware that our mission to serve strengthens our community. We believe that the well-being of one is inherently linked to the well-being of all. Our efforts are made possible by the invaluable support of our donors and volunteers, whose generosity and compassion drive us to foster a community where no one feels forgotten or alone. We are deeply grateful for your contributions, which empower us to make meaningful impacts in the lives of those we serve.

Our service to others enriches not only the lives of those we touch but also our own, inviting us to connect deeply, support one another, and make the lives of others better in whatever small way possible. It’s not just the person who serves; it is the person who is served, who in turn serves the one serving. It’s reciprocal, and it is holy.

The words of St. Matthew remind us that service to others is profound and transcendent: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

This message challenges each of us to reflect on our actions and recognize our responsibility to act with empathy and kindness, taking every opportunity to uplift the other and help them thrive.

Let us move forward into 2025, dedicated to our mission of serving food and love to the hungry and homebound with the flame of hope to guide our deeds as we work to foster a more compassionate and inclusive community.