Sr. Chita reflects: “As I walk through the streets of Vancouver”
“Bring them here to me,” Jesus said. He then asked the people to sit on the grass, took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, gave thanks, and broke the bread. He gave it to the disciples, and they in turn shared it with the crowd. Everyone ate and was satisfied. Remarkably, twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered, and about five thousand men, women, and children were fed.
This Gospel serves as a powerful reminder and awakening for us: God is truly present, working in and walking with us, both in our shared journey and in our personal experiences. In moments when we start to worry, when we are consumed by the “what ifs,” God steps in and provides in abundance what we feel we lack.
It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, sometimes difficult to fully grasp. And yet, when we reflect on all that has happened, we are left in wonder and gratitude. How did it unfold? Why has God poured out such blessings on us? These are mysteries of grace we may never fully understand, but we recognize them as signs of His faithful love and provision.
The staff and volunteers of DIO continue to open wide our doors and our hearts to our brothers and sisters at Oppenheimer Park, especially on sunny days when we can spend time together outdoors. It is truly a blessing to be present to them, not just to offer food, but to share in conversation, laughter, stories, and moments of genuine connection.
Serving in this ministry is not always easy. It can be uncomfortable and challenging at times. Yet, despite sometimes receiving harsh words, swearing, and even rare moments of being spat on, we remain committed. Through the years we’ve grown in unconditional love, a love that allows us to embrace both the blessings and the hardships of this mission.
With that love, we continue to respect, care for, and carry each person we meet in our hearts, lifting them up to God’s care. Gaining their trust and seeing their hearts open to us can take time. But we have never waited in vain. Over time, deep friendships have formed, and that is one of greatest graces of all.
As Fr. Ray Smith, CMF, once shared in his homily, “it is in the waiting that we receive abundant graces and blessing from God”. And truly, this ministry continues to be a beautiful journey of grace.
