Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Last week, while traveling home, my family and I were approached three separate times by a man asking for money. The first time, I brushed it off. The second time, my husband handled it. The third time was NOT the charm for me. I was rude incredibly hateful to the man, telling him to get lost, with words I don’t want my children repeating.
After my tirade, I felt bad. I KNOW we are called to help others in need, but there are causes that come easier to me than others. I’m all about giving my money and time to my church, children’s ministries, and the pro-life movement. On the other hand, I’m especially challenged to feel compassion for people affected by drugs and alcohol.
Saint Benedict Joseph Labre is considered to be the patron saint of the homeless, beggars, and those affected by mental illness. He was born to a prosperous family in France during the 1700s, and was educated by his uncle, who was a parish priest. Following his uncle’s death, he tried to join three different religious orders, but was rejected by all. He spent his years in Europe, in complete poverty, frequenting the perpetual adoration chapels. He healed other beggars, and died in a hospice at age 35. A prayer to him can be found here.
What about you? Are you like me, feeling challenged to be compassionate? Or do you find it easy to help those in need, no matter the circumstances?
Link up and join in today!
I haven’t participated in Saints and Scripture Sundays in a while because I haven’t had an appropriate post available; but I do look forward to reading them! Corpus Christi was last week, but I still want to share an awesome video I had found.
To answer your question, I, too have trouble being compassionate when I am approached by people on the street. I am wary of giving them money because i don’t what to support their drug or alcohol addiction.
On a totally different note, I wanted to let you know that I had awarded you the “Irresistibly Sweet blog” award. It is an award meant to be passed on, so I wanted you to be one of the people I passed it on to. You can see and ‘get’ the award here:
http://www.simplecatholicliving.com/just-for-fun/who-is-irresistibly-sweet-i-am-apparently
I hope it brings you a smile. 🙂
Jesus told us that whatever we do “for the least of these you do for me. ” He calls us to love others no matter their circumstances. Every time you are hateful to a beggar, you miss an opportunity to show someone Christs love. You showed that man that God does not love him. When “Christians” do things like this, they push people farther away from God. I will pray for you that your heart will not be hardened to these people and you can feel the same kind of love for them as Christ. Remember that you cannot make God and His commands twist around to fit what you are comfortable with doing.
It’s always been easier for me to root for the underdog. I have a much easier time giving genersouly to some one on the street– whether it be a meal or cash, than I do compared to giving to large organizations.
Regardless of that homeless persons story, my nonjudgmental act of choosing to see beyond his circumstance, is an opportunity. For a brief second, I can make that person feel loved whether I think he/ she deserves it or not.
That’s not to say my theory is correct! It’s just how I happen to feel. And we all have instances that we wish we could re-do. You’re a kind loving soul. Xoxo