Why should we help others? Answers from ‘Pangusaneni Machozi’
Over the past year, Catholic Life has invited us to walk deeply in the sacramental life of the Church. In this issue, we are reminded that when we serve others, it is not only an act of kindness but a response to God’s grace that flows through His Church. This is where our tears are wiped away and our hearts are healed.
Years ago, a popular video claimed that we don’t need the Church—that Jesus alone is enough without the sacraments or the community of believers. Many young people were drawn to that idea. Yet, just as Pangusaneni Machozi reminds us that God’s love dries our tears through the care of His people, we as Catholics know that Christ’s grace reaches us most fully through His Church and her sacraments.
From the beginning, God revealed Himself through patriarchs and prophets. In the same way, Christ founded the Church so that through the sacraments we could share in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. When we come to the Eucharist, to Confession, to Baptism and the others, we are not alone—God Himself comes close, comforting us and transforming us. Slowly, we become more like Him: selfless in love, ready to sacrifice, and able to serve others with joy.
The mistake of separating Christ from His Church is like trying to separate a mother’s love from her embrace. They belong together. In the Church, we are not only strengthened by grace but also encouraged to keep serving, even when love feels heavy or unreturned. Without this grace, good works can grow weary. But with Christ in His sacraments, our strength is renewed, and our tears are dried.
Some may argue that you don’t need religion to be a good person. And it’s true—many can perform acts of charity. But without the Church, how do we know the full truth of love? How do we remain strong when service becomes tiring? The sacraments give us the supernatural strength to persevere when human compassion runs dry.
Like the refrain of Pangusaneni Machozi, Christ tells us through His Church: “Do not weep, for I am with you.” In every Mass, every sacrament, He wipes our tears, heals our wounds, and sends us out to serve. Here, we discover that true love is not only about helping others, but about being united to God, who is Love Himself.
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