“This is my final commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” The Gospel of John records these words spoken by Jesus to his disciples. Jesus was preparing them for a time when he would no longer be with them. He was putting his life in order, making one last attempt at teaching the disciples how they should live their lives. In the end, Jesus showed us how to love by giving up his life for us. Jesus was a hero and he was asking us to also be heroes.
How often do we have chances to be heroes for people beyond our families? Unless we are in the military, police force, or fire fighters, there are not many jobs that we are asked to risk our lives. Unless we are in the medical field, we don’t have many opportunities to be a part of healing. So how can we, the average non-hero types share our love to the world? Well to directly quote the American Red Cross, “Give blood and give life.” If you are 17 years or older, over 110 pounds and meet other donor requirements, you can be a hero. The Greater Hammonton Ministerium is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive on February 17, 2004 at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church (on Route 206.)
“Together, we can save a life.” That is another slogan used by the American Red and truer words can not be said. The actual donation of blood only takes an average of ten minutes but you will want to schedule for about an hour for the whole process. And as you walk out of the center, you know you have shared the gift of life with another. You will know that you have given one of the most precious resources and you have helped another in need. We have been given the gift of life from God and have the opportunity to share it with others. Please mark it on your calendar and plan to attend. For an appointment, sign-up at your church or call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE.