A Knight of Columbus is a man of integrity. He takes responsibility for his actions. He is also a man for others. He guards and protects those under his care. He stands united with his brothers and with them he puts his faith into action.
A Knight of Columbus is called to fraternal charity with his brother Knights. And he is called to a fraternal unity with them. Psalm 133 proclaims,
“How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together as one!”
United by Baptism and the Eucharist, Knights of Columbus stand ready as brothers to bear one another’s burdens. Where there is a spiritual or material need, we assist one another by prayer, counsel and practical support. Our Lord calls us to live in fraternal communion, and to encourage oneanother.
The greatest act of charity the world has ever known is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who freely and willingly offered Himself for us on the Cross.
Christ’s redeeming love is the true measure of charity. Charity is a heart that sees Christ in our neighbor. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can, like Christ, make a sincere gift of ourselves to others.
Charity is that priceless gift placed by God in the human soul to measure man’s allegiance to his Creator. Charity is a duty, not a courtesy. It is an obligation imposed by Heaven upon rich and poor alike.
Charity moves the heart to comfort and console, advise and instruct, bear and forgive. In God and with God, we love even those we do not know. This is the charity that evangelizes. This is the charity that gladdens the heart.
They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,
“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
(Gospel for Sept. 19, Mk 9:34-35)
Naturally, in every good undertaking — whether doing one’s job, helping another or playing a sport — we ought to strive for excellence, for greatness. But here, Jesus gives that thinking a twist: If we want to be great in the kingdom of heaven, we must embrace humility and become servants. We must not seek headlines, but rather give of ourselves for the sake of others, for the common good.
My brothers, let us forgo seeking earthly glory in favor of being selfless “team players” in building the kingdom of heaven. Questions for Reflection: Do you seek personal
glory at the expense of others? Do you put your gifts at the service of God and your neighbor, or do you use them primarily to achieve praise and gain in this life? What is one concrete act you can do to grow in humility and give of yourself to others?
August 2021 Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to pray every day as an individual or as a family, asking the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney to live in a
more prayerful home. Questions for Reflection: Do you maintain good and regular habits of prayer in your home?
Where is there room for improvement in your family prayer life? What is one specific thing you could do to deepen your own prayer life?
At his June 11 th installation earlier this month, new Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly consecrated his
administration to St. Joseph, noting that the saint was the protector of Jesus. Kelly called on the Knights to do the same in protecting the Eucharist. He is the first new Supreme Knight to be installed in 20 years.
The example of St. Joseph teaches us how to be Knights of the Eucharist. He was the guardian of the first tabernacle — beginning with Mary herself when she bore Christ in her womb, and then in the home where he lived with Mary and Jesus. As Knights, we too are called to have special reverence for Christ’s real presence. The more we dedicate ourselves to Christ in the Eucharist, the more we will be a sign of unity in an age of division and disbeliefs.
- Patrick Kelly, new Supreme Knight
One of the simple ways for us to be Knights of the Eucharist is to spend time in adoration!