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If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. (James 2:15-17)
It was a cold, snowy winter’s morning. I was the only person in the rectory office, where I worked as pastoral coordinator for the parish. With my coat still on, I answered the ringing telephone. The caller was a man looking for a hand-out. I recognized his voice and immediately wanted to ignore his request—personally, I refer to him as the “crazy alcoholic guy.” On occasions when he has come to the door and I’ve been alone, I have not opened it, as his presence unsettles me.
Attempting to placate the caller, I told him that all such requests are handled through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and that the person he needed to speak with wasnt in. I explained that we keep no money in the rectory and give only food or vouchers. I said I would get…
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The Lord certainly knocked persistently at your heart until you recognized him. If we were doing our daily tasks (which indeed are his tasks) with attentiveness to him, perhaps we would recognize him more immediately in the one who needs us the most. When I’m teaching I’m often caught immersed in the myriad of duties of managing a classroom and school, only to realize that Jesus is knocking at my heart asking for help in a needy child.
How good and kind is Jesus who is persistent so that we might encounter him in someone who is in need, and respond generously. It took courage to admit your reluctant heart. I ask forgiveness for the times I haven’t recognized him. God bless you.
Advent is but a day old and Jesus has already ‘gifted himself’ to me. Let me share, as this article reminds me that Jesus is my brother. I didn’t always know—not really, what that means until recently. During a Bible Study I found myself becoming aware of Cain’s words, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” I noticed the many parallels between those who followed the Lord and those who chose to go another way. Those who chose another way were all like Cain in this: They chose to ‘not be their brother’s keeper’. THEN, there is Jesus, who calls himself OUR brother. He is the one who completely and whole-heartedly chose and chooses to be the GOOD Brother, always our Keeper! This is what He asks us to see in one another, but I can only do this as I come to KNOW Him as my brother. What a Gift—our Good Brother! You and I too, can choose. It may take us longer than it did Jesus, but with Him, we can finally really know one another—everyone—as ‘brother’. Thank you for sharing this story. He who lives in you makes it possible to be like Him.