We Are Only Saved Together
I was inspired by a recent book reading at the Church of the Assumption in downtown St. Paul.
Author Colin Miller read excerpts from his new book, We Are Only Saved Together: Living the Revolutionary Vision of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement.
A little background:
Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin founded the Catholic Worker movement in the 1930s. Basics of the movement include houses of hospitality, growing food together, and newspapers. (St. Matt’s regularly receives a copy of The Catholic Worker, the newspaper Day and Maurin founded. We currently place it in the reception area of the Parish Center. You’re welcome to stop by and check it out.)
I learned that Miller converted to Catholicism in large part because he was attracted by a Catholic Worker house. It was a community filled with joy, fun, and people who take the Gospel very seriously. House members shared work, meals, prayer and fellowship. They included all sorts of folks, including the poor, who are “the first citizens of the Kingdom of God.”
As Miller talked about the joy of being together with other people—including the poor—I couldn’t help but think of the Loves & Fishes ministry we house at St. Matt’s. It’s a way to share meals and conversation with all sorts of folks, including the poor.
I was especially struck by his thoughts about the Good Samaritan story in the Gospel. Miller noted that the Samaritan—despised and rejected by all the good people—is the person Jesus identifies with. That means that “The despised and rejected minister to us.” So, with Jesus ministering to us, Miller’s conclusion is that:
“. . . I am the man in the ditch, I am the one in desperate need of salvation. Do I believe it? Can I realize it?”
Colin Miller is Assumption’s Director of Pastoral Care & Outreach, in addition to serving as Director of the Center for Catholic Social Thought.
Have a great week!
Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
651-224-9793
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