Good Samaritans in a Beep Beep World

My 10 year old son and I were out running errands the other day, and as we went from Sports Authority to Five Below (nirvana stores for a boy that age), we passed by a homeless man sitting on a concrete wall. He was tucked back a bit in some bushes surrounded by a low wall. It was cold out and windy. His face was very weathered, tanned by lots of time outside. Our eyes met, and he just looked – not threatening, didn’t move, didn’t ask for a thing, just taking a rest.

As we got out of earshot of the man, I leaned down to my son and asked what he thought we could do for the man. Perhaps give him a gift card for a warm hat or gloves, a bit of cash for something to eat, a kind word and a smile, or ask what kind of help he might need. My son nodded, mumbled maybe, and said, “what if he’s not even there when we go by again?” Sure enough, the man was long gone when passed by – not a trace left.

My son seemed relieved. I was upset with myself. Another opportunity passed me by, and I wasn’t Jesus’s hands, feet, voice, or heart at all. I was just another shopper rushing past – thinking to myself what I should do, could do, might do.

St. Matthew’s Gospel makes it quite clear how we should treat others – as if Jesus himself were that man – food, drink, clothing, company, hospitality, shelter, love. And another Gospel story of the Good Samaritan gives us a beautiful example of the least likely brother who helps his fellow man – at great sacrifice.

So what it is that held the others back in that ancient story? What made them rush past the injured traveler, not stopping to help? Many reasons – pressed for time for an urgent commitment, social standing, cultural stigma, not enough resources, fear, belief that someone more suitable would help instead, and probably a dozen other reasons deep in their hearts.

And what holds us back today? What keeps us from showing spontaneous love and helping another human being? Busyness, fear, prejudice, judgment, not having enough or the right resources, procrastination, fill in your blank . . . we live in a beep beep world – hurry up, move along, someone else will take care of him/her/that.

In this season of Lent – and at all times during the Church year – we are urged to be on our guard – to prepare. Preparing our hearts and minds for the pain of our Lord’s passion. Preparing our hearts and minds for the joy of His – and our – resurrection. So let’s take some steps to be prepared as well to be Jesus’s hands, feet, voice, and heart to all brothers and sisters:

1. Be aware. The homeless, the needy, the sad, the marginalized are all around us, every day. Look around, be present, seek out those who may need your kindness.
2. Carry small amounts of cash – yes, cash. Dispense with judgment on how each person may spend your gift, and give freely as you can.
3. Research 2-3 organizations that are helpful in your local area and print them on small pieces of paper. Hand that to someone in need in case the agency could assist them.
4. You might assemble small bags of travel-sized toiletries and carry them in your vehicle. This makes a great service project, and you’ll have something quick to give as you encounter someone who could use that help.
5. Don’t be afraid to smile, to talk, to engage in a few minutes of conversation. So much better than regret and wonder.
6. Pray. For each person that your eyes meet – pray for him or her, for their comfort and peace.

How are you ministering to your neighbor? I look forward to reading your suggestions, and I thank you for the time you took reading mine.