IT IS NOT ALWAYS THAT SIMPLE
A few days ago I went down to my local church to celebrate one of the weekday Masses.
In the spacious foyer of the Church I noticed two young men, one sitting in a meditative position, the other on the floor in a sleeping bag. Having written so much about being non-judgmental towards the homeless, I immediately opened my wallet and gave one of them the only cash I had with me, a $20.00 note! I then went into the church to sit for the remaining time before Mass. The thought came to me about Pope Francis’ call to ‘make a mess!’ I began to visualize the whole of the foyer floor covered with sleeping bags and parishioners coming to chat with them, feed them and create a real sense of belonging for these visitors. But then, within a few minutes a parishioner came in, saw the two young men and came out with “haven’t you got a better place to sleep than here!”
I related the story to the local clergy, who were well aware of the situation, the home life and the choices the two have made. For one of them at least, his lifestyle was a deliberate choice, and all offers of help have been refused. The other had been offered a home with a parishioner but had also declined the kindness.
My mind has since wandered off to a couple of places since. St Paul who says quite simply: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” 2 Th 3:10. Then there is the principle of ‘enabling’ to look at. Certainly the 12 Step program for addiction recovery would categorically say ‘let them starve’. But, I am not so sure. Something is missing for those young men. It is called ‘self-worth’. Only love can heal it. My $20 might have helped, but I think the patience, the kindness and listening the local priests provide might go much further, which will mean putting up with the mess this brings!
PRAYER
Sometimes
I don’t know how to help
I am tempted:
Walk away
Make judgements
Ignore love.
Lord,
Give me patience
For you are at work in them
As much
As you are in me.
DISCUSSION: What are your thoughts on ‘making a mess?’
