Popularized by Archbishop Romero but written by Bishop Ken Untener in 1979
"It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us...a step along the way, this enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own."
Part five of our Eight Days of Gratitude: Democracy
USA:Democracy,it seems as though our system of government is very “messy” and noisy, still it is the best there is! ST. THERESA HOSPITAL: Hospital employees have the freedom to “speak out” about their grievances, and sometimes this is very painful to the administrative staff, but still it is good for all concerned.
SURROUNDING AREA:The local people are able to give grievances to local committees and to local government, but the issue of “human rights” is of real concern all over the country.
After a short delay, the continuation of our Eight Days of Gratitude...
Part four of our Eight Days of Gratitude: Jobs
USA:Even though we are going through some very tough times with unemployment over 10%, still there are many social programs (government and private) helping most people.We can be thankful for all of that support. ST. THERESA HOSPITAL:Hospital employees are very thankful for their jobs, even though the pay is so very poor.Currently, the lowest paid employee is making on about US $30 per month, and the highest paid nurse is making about US $150 per month.
SURROUNDING AREA:Unemployment in Zimbabwe is “around” 95%. The country has great potential, and I guess that is what the people would be thankful for, although they would like to see some real progress with the “Government of National Unity.” (Very little “unity.”)
USA: Plentiful Food in our grocery stores. Nearly everyone in the US will have either Turkey or Ham for Thanksgiving.
ST. THERESA HOSPITAL: Local shopping provides few items, but at a distance of one hour drive over very bad roads, “most” items are available, although at least 20 to 30% more expensive than in the U.S.
SURROUNDING AREA: The very poor do not have the funds for any shopping, and rely on the staple food “sadza” (corn-meal mush) plus some vegetables. Meat and milk and even bread is a rarity.
Part two of our Eight Days of Gratitude: Electricity
USA: Lights, electricity at the touch of a fingertip.
ST. THERESA HOSPITAL: Main-line electricity for “maybe” eight hours per day. Special Thanks for the people in Germany who donated a new generator for the hospital several years ago, allowing electricity “when urgently needed.” SURROUNDING AREA:95% of the rural homes do not have any electricity.Still, they are thankful for a hospital nearby that does have electricity, and the ability to use a generator for laboratory tests, x-rays, emergency surgery, etc.
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