I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Often times when I realize how perfect something came out to be, I can’t help but think God planned it that way, and that puts a smile on my face.

This happened to me several weeks ago on the Feast of Christ the King. The gospel reading was about judgement day when God separated the good from the bad (Mt 25:31-46). The good was favored by God because they fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, cared for the poor, and visited those in prison. The bad, didn’t.

When I heard this passage, I told myself that I need to do more, because I want to be among the good group. Coincidentally, that same day I learned of a volunteer opportunity to join other members of the Oakland Chinese Catholic Community at St. Anthony’s in San Francisco that following Saturday to serve meals to the community. What perfect timing! There couldn’t have been a more obvious sign that God wanted me to do this. In that instant, I truly felt His presence.

St. Anthony’s Dining Room is a place where homeless and low-income people go to for a hot meal 365 days a year. They serve over 2800 meals on any given day. They operate mostly off of donated food from the community and depend heavily on volunteers to serve meals to guests. The success of such a big operation depends on many people’s contributions. I was so inspired to see so many people dedicating their time to those in need. I met someone who has been volunteering twice a week for 21 years! The guests that came were so thankful and they verbally appreciated us. It was such a rewarding experience.

Pope Francis recently said in a homily: “People have a basic choice in the way they live: either striving to build up treasures on earth, or giving to others in order to gain heaven. What we invest in love remains, the rest vanishes.” So as we start the New Year, let’s think about what we can do this year to help those in need. For God said: “Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Wishing you a year filled with God’s abundant blessings!