Day 8 - Faces in the Cold
I missed my exit, flying past my destination, deep in
thought. Driving on for another mile, I
exited to return and there he was - a desperate man standing at the
intersection with his sign for help. I tried not to make eye contact and hoped
the light would change before he came to my window. The man in front of me was
looking straight ahead, but I could not ignore him. I looked at him. He lifted
his eyes in hope. I took three dollars out of my wallet and lowered the window.
He moved to the car and I extended my hand. His face was downcast. He looked
sad and humiliated, but quietly said, "Thank you so much" and moved
away from the car.
It reminded me of entering Notre Dame several years ago. The
poor woman was sitting at the door with outstretched hands. She caught my eye,
but the line pushed me forward. Once inside, everywhere I looked I saw her
face, her hands reaching out to me for help. I was so convicted I worked my way
back to the entrance, found her and offered her my coins. She said something and although I speak no French I .understood her eyes.
Why do these scenes make me so sad? Why do I often ignore
the needy who stand on the corner? I much prefer to participate in a cleaned up
service project where the needy are rounded up and brought to me and I can
"minister" to them on my turf, leaving when I feel good enough about
myself and my effort. The single soul demands more of us. We have to look them
in the eye and say something to them. We have to face the harsh reality of
poverty - together.
The faces in the cold haunt me this Advent and I wonder if
three dollars helps. Or if ten people give three dollars, maybe that buys food
for a family - if there is one. I wonder where those faces sleep at night and
if they stand and wait with outstretched hands and signs every day - desperate,
trying to make it just one more day.
Jesus, the infant who comes this Advent, has some thoughts
on this:
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to
eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you
invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked
after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then the
righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and
invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or
in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "Truly
I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters
of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:35-40
This
Advent, Jesus, help me see the faces through the eyes of a child. Make me eager to respond in love.
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