THE FORGOTTEN
PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE
Today a very strong man was standing next to a small car with a middle age woman in the driver seat. As I passed nearby, I could hear him asking this lady for money. I had just left a nearby 7-11 store. I arrived at my old beat up pickup, reached into my pocket to pull out the keys, unlocked the door, and was trying to slip away unnoticed by any and all. Instead, there were some taps on my door window.
I looked out the side window and this same big and strong man who had a major scar on his forehead asked me for one dollar. Now, even at 7-11 one cannot buy any product for only $1.00. None at all. Before he came knocking on my window, I had looked him over and figured he was working and probably truly in need.
So, when he came beside my truck I already had a ten dollar bill folded up in my right hand. And so, in the few minutes we spoke, I learned that God had yet again, sent forth another stranger, another beggar and another reminder that this stranger, like all people, is my brother. Do I really believe that I am my brother’s keeper? How do you answer this question? How do you live out this question? How do you put your faith into action?
This man told me he is a hard working and reliable jack of many trades but a master at none. He does drywall, painting, landscaping and other types of work. But he is not fully employed daily. It is all hit and miss! When he works a full day he can make $150.00. And sometimes when he works a full day, the contractor refuses to pay him at all. And he is stuck!
After listening, I again asked him how much money he really needed and again he said $1.00. I told him to take care of himself and especially his body and mind, and to stay away from alcohol, drugs and even cigarettes.
I told him I wished I had his skills and could do the work he does; but as my sisters can assure inquiring minds, my skills include no skills requiring the use of tools! Tools in my hands are like weapons! Discussing the Trinity is easier for me than trying to properly use some tool. Having told this man this short reality he just laughed.
Then I asked him to pray for me. He asked me why I was asking him to pray for me? I said, “Because you are a hard working honest man, and Jesus was a hard working carpenter. You are like Christ, in that tonight will be another night, when you have no place to call home, to lie one’s head, and find rest and peace. You are already close to Christ. And Christ sent you to me not just to ask me for one dollar.
By coming to me, and entrusting your story to me, you have humbled me and reminded me about the blessings God grants me daily.” Then I handed him the folded ten dollar bill I had been holding in my right hand. He looked at the bill and then looked again. His eyes widened and he spoke softly saying, “Wow! I only asked you for one dollar and you have given me ten dollars! Now, I can buy a meal! Thanks father!” I asked him again, to pray for me and he agreed to do so.
As he walked away I put up my window, slowly backed out of my parking space and drove home to have my lunch. Today’s stranger in my life was a poor man blessed with an abundance of courage, trust and perseverance. In some ways, he is rich! I probably could not make it if I were in his shoes.
Today his shoes symbolized the shoes of our so often forgotten Divine Fisherman. Listen to the less fortunate. Christ was poor. In some ways we all live together in our shared impoverished ways. Even at a 7-11 store one can find the presence of our dear Lord! Ample amazing graces were shared this day. AMEN! AMEN!