WHEN THE POOR ARE BLOCKING THE DOORWAYS

Do ordinary things with extraordinary love
(Mother Teresa)

As I begin writing this month’s reflection the homeless in our cities have been making the news. They are sleeping in the doorways of our shops and on the streets particularly in Auckland. In the smaller towns the problem exists albeit to a lesser extent. I noticed in my city, they store their belongings in the doorways of empty shops!

I’ve had a few issues, regarding poverty, stirring in me of late. One is the way we pray for the poor. I’m not sure that praying for them is much use. Should we not be praying a little more deeply:

• that we might generously share with them from our abundance

• that we might take the time to speak with and befriend them

•  that we might actively work to house them

• that we might ensure they have sufficient food

• that we might endeavour to find their real needs

• that we might be practical in the help we offer.

Thomas Merton advises that we take the time to become what we profess to be. Then we will know what to do. It is important to understand that his advice is not to be taken as an escape from involvement. There is enormous depth in his answer. It implies that we first of all become grateful for the abundance we have. There is little point in feeling guilty because we have all we need. Feeling guilty about doing nothing and ignoring the issue is more to the point. 

In a recent homily a very new priest made this point: the Jubilee year of the Poor is not only about giving alms. It is about restoring relationship: between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the forgotten, humanity and God. It is the word relationship which stands out for me. The poor are not just a select band of people who happen to be there. They are our brothers and sisters. And working for them will be of little use unless we do it out of extraordinary love. 

Recently I spent two months in an area of New Zealand that I am not very familiar with. A couple of times I went to a particular café for lunch. Both times the same man was sitting in the street close by. Each time I had to walk past him, and I knew what he was wanting. The first time I gave a little money, the second I accompanied him into the café and bought his meal. I would like to have known what his real needs were. At that moment it was a takeaway and a large soft-drink.  As I headed towards my car I met a couple of women collecting for breast cancer. They were pleasant and cheerful people and for some reason I doubt if they were the from among the wealthiest and privileged people of Aotearoa. However, they were giving what they could at that point in their lives. 

 All in all then, it is a matter of allowing Christ consume my life. When this happens love will radiate out to all around me. I might have to do some serious reflection and pondering, but life will change. Awareness and wisdom will be gifted to me. Concern for both the spiritually and materially poor will begin to take over. Why? Because that is the nature of love rooted in Christ. 

DISCUSSION:  When do you mostly feel ‘powerless’ in regard to the work you do as a Vincentian? 

PRAYER

Jesus,
You walked among the poor
You challenged the religious people
To go to the heart of their faith.
You knew what the prophets preached
Yet you did not hand out money
Food or scholarships.
It appears you had no solution
Other than to love
And free ourselves
From
Whatever moth and rust consume.