It is always very relevant and important to include the variables listed below. Use them when you are trying to discern how and if you might be able to help a stranger who appears to be in need; is vulnerable, lost, a bit disoriented or frail…
Ask their name. What town they live in.
A street address
If they have a cellphone with them
If they might need you to call family or friends
Ask if they might want water, a fruit drink or Gatorade. The latter contains electrolytes and is mostly water.
Ask if they might want a sandwich, a snack or fruit.
Ask the person, if they have any health conditions and are now, or will be in need of medicine.
Ask questions very slowly; NOT in a drill fashion or like you are in a hurry.
Go slow. Be patient. Listen carefully.
When we listen we try to listen carefully.
We listen with great care
to the words spoken, one’s tone; note one’s care and the precision of their expressed details; and note any appearance of thoughts being somewhat disjointed or mixed up.
Again, LISTEN and listen carefully.
If curse words or maybe insulting words are used by the other person , just listen, and do not correct or chastise.
We do not walk in that other person’s shoes; nor do we know with clarity what this fellow human being has been through, or recently seen or experienced l.
Each and all of us are mere vulnerable, broken, imperfect and frail human beings.
Today… be there for this human brother or sister. Tomorrow some human brother or sister will be there for YOU.
It is never a matter of IF! It is only a matter of WHEN.
Be there for someone else today.
Tomorrow will arrive soon enough.
Together we are all students attending the lifelong lessons to be learned at the toughest school… THE UNIVERSITY of LIFE.
Peace unto you and all of us.
Fr Michael Briese September 21,2025
beautiful.
Blessings and appreciation from Sydney Aus.