I am just finishing Pope Francis’ newest book – “The Name of God is Mercy”. In the final chapter on Living the Holy Year of Mercy, he poses the following questions –
A place to sleep.
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What should we do for the homeless man camped in front of our house?
What should we do for the poor man who has nothing to eat?
What should we do for the neighboring family who cannot make it to the end of the month due to the recession, because the husband lost his job?
How should we behave with the immigrants who survive the crossing and who land on our shores?
What should we do for the elderly who are alone, abandoned, and who have no one?
Journey With Us
(c) John M. Kingery
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Pope Francis answers and calls us to respond. Reach out, know how to listen, advise them, and teach them through our own experience. By welcoming a marginalized person whose body is wounded and by welcoming a sinner who soul is wounded, we put our credibility as Christians on the line.
Over today and over the next week, pray on how you would respond to the questions Pope Francis poses and how you can be more welcoming. After you have prayed, then each day try live out those responses aided by the Holy Spirit.
About a month ago, I met Tyner who is in the picture. He had been sleeping on the door step at work. Our office was opening up. I work him and noticed he had Boston Red Sox cap. We talked about his situation. He worked in Boston during the record setting blizzard a few years ago. For the last three years, he has had no home. Tyner indicated he had been told he was “housing challenged”. A few days later he was getting into transitional housing. I helped gather his belongings, shook his hand and we smiled as we said good bye. I have not seen him since. My prayer is he has found housing.
My friend Tyner.
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I could not provide him housing, but I could recognize him as a human being. Today, recognize the humanity in the marginalized in your community and reach out your hand and heart.
Peace,
John