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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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