In 2008 I went on my first mission trip.
I went to the Philippines to help build homes for the poor. I was so excited. It was my opportunity to give hope and joy. It was my opportunity to save them from their situations.
But after a long day of mixing cement and carrying hollow blocks – tiring and back-aching work, the beneficiaries invited us to daily Mass. And, even with the little they had, I saw them give what they could to the Church. And that’s when I understood. My expectations were wrong. The people I was helping, the beneficiaries of the future homes who built alongside me, they weren’t looking for a saviour. I wasn’t going to swoop into the slums and save them from poverty. I wasn’t going to be the bringer of joy into their lives.
Though they were poor materially, they understood what true riches are. The materially poor know that they are poor. They strive and work towards a better life. But those who do not know God are ignorant of what they’re missing out on. Those who refuse to seek the face of God, who refuse to do His works – they will never see the kingdom of heaven. They may have the riches of this world, but lose out on the riches of eternity.
I couldn’t help save them because they didn’t need saving. They needed help to build their homes. They already had a Saviour.