“Service is never ideological, for we do not serve ideas, we serve people.” – Pope Francis

As Pope Francis states above, service is rooted in the person. We can look at the Gospels and see that service is a fundamental guiding principle of our Catholic faith. Service is a powerful antidote to combat selfishness and cultivate a culture of compassion and empathy. Rooted in putting the needs of others before our own, service allows us to think outside of ourselves, be more aware of the details and feelings of others, and turn selfishness into selfLESSness. In this blog post, we explore why service is critical to combating selfishness and creating a more united family and community.

Service is an expression of selflessness, challenging the mindset of “me-first” and inviting individuals to consider the needs and welfare of others. By engaging in acts of service, whether through volunteering, administering to the needs of the family, or acts of kindness in everyday life, individuals shift their focus from self-centered concerns to the broader needs of their family and community.

Furthermore, through service, individuals recognize that their actions, no matter how small, can have a meaningful impact on the lives of others and contribute to the greater good of the family and society. This awareness cultivates a sense of solidarity and belonging, fostering a sense of unity and purpose beyond individual interests.

By serving others, individuals cultivate virtues such as empathy, humility, and gratitude, which free us from the self-centered attitudes that fuel selfishness. Take heart from the words of Pope Francis and discern ways to serve people whether that is in your own homes or within your community.