There is a saying often attributed to St Teresa of Calcutta that has stayed with me over the years: “What we do may seem like a drop in the ocean, but without that drop, the ocean would be less because of it.”
It is a simple thought, yet it speaks powerfully about Christian charity. The needs of our world can seem overwhelming, leaving us to wonder whether our efforts really make a difference. Yet no act of love is ever wasted. No generous heart is ever forgotten. No helping hand is ever insignificant.
During my recent visit to Lebanon, I joined His Excellency Archbishop Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Fr Giuseppe Francone, Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature, Their Excellencies Bishops Charbel Abdallah, Simon Faddoul and Georges Bakhouni, together with Fr Samir Ghawi, President of Caritas Lebanon, and Mrs Patricia Sfeir, Director of the World Patriarchal Foundation, on a pastoral and humanitarian visit to the villages of South Lebanon.
From early morning until evening, we travelled together to meet families, encourage local communities and witness a beautiful work of mercy. As part of this initiative, 25 trucks carrying food, essential supplies and toys were delivered to families in need across the region.
I am deeply grateful to the generous faithful of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, whose kindness helped provide three of these trucks. This humanitarian effort was made possible through the collaboration of the World Patriarchal Foundation, Caritas Lebanon and other generous organisations.
Our journey took us through the Christian villages of Debel, Ain Ebel and Rmeich, communities that have borne the heavy burden of the recent conflict. We met local families, visited the renovation of an old hospital and were welcomed by parish priests and faithful. Everywhere we went, we encountered people whose faith remains remarkably strong in the face of hardships that continue to test them.
It was impossible not to be deeply moved by the devastation around us. Entire villages have been destroyed. In some places, not a single home remains standing. Churches, schools and family homes bear the scars of conflict. Many Christian communities remain isolated, uncertain about the future yet determined not to abandon the land of their ancestors and faith. Yet even amid such devastation, there were moments of extraordinary hope.
One of the most beautiful moments of the day came as toys, footballs and World Cup flags were distributed to the children. Their smiles returned almost instantly. Soon, streets once marked by sorrow echoed with laughter as children played together until late into the evening. It was a powerful reminder that even the smallest gestures of kindness can restore hope where it has been overshadowed by suffering.
These moments reminded me that the Corporal Works of Mercy are never simply acts of charity. They are encounters with Christ Himself. When we feed the hungry or care for those in need, we make visible the compassionate heart of the Gospel and remind people they have not been forgotten.
The faithful of Australia may never meet those they have helped through their generosity. They may never know the names of the children who received a toy or the parents who found relief through the food and essential supplies they provided. Yet love does not need recognition to bear fruit. It simply asks for willing hearts.
As Australians, we are blessed in so many ways. With that blessing comes a responsibility to care for those who struggle, especially our brothers and sisters in Lebanon. We cannot solve every problem, but we can always do something. As Australia’s own St Mary of the Cross MacKillop once said, “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Her words continue to challenge us today because the needs of Lebanon remain great. Our response cannot end with a single humanitarian mission. We will continue to stand alongside our people, supporting initiatives that bring relief, restore dignity and strengthen hope. Every act of generosity, however small, becomes part of God’s greater work of hope. Like St Teresa’s drop in the ocean, it adds to a sea of compassion far greater than ourselves.
Please continue to pray for Lebanon: that peace may soon be restored, that displaced families may safely return to their homes, and that the Lebanese State may fully exercise its authority throughout all Lebanese territory so that every citizen may live in security and dignity.
May Our Lady of Lebanon watch over her children and intercede for our beloved homeland. And may we never underestimate the difference one act of mercy can make. After all, without that one drop, the ocean would be less.
Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay is the Maronite Bishop of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.
