Maybe this is where you start with the younger generation. If they don't get this, how can they get anything?
Very awesome. A light shining in the darkness. "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love." - 1 John 4:8
"In short, there are these things that last; FAITH, HOPE and LOVE; and the greatest of these is LOVE." Corinthians 13:13
Okay, this video brought tears to my eyes every time I watch. Such a brilliant example of what God expects from us. Nothing great but very simple. Just love and help one another in times of need. We usually keep an angel dollar for those on corners etc when we go somewhere. But this past week I learned of a homeless man in our area who died in a fire. When I saw his picture I realized this is the man we saw a lot of Sundays when we visited a church we frequent but are not members. He was always just sitting on some stairs nearby one of the entrances. I always assumed he was there because a lot of people go to the church to ask for various things. I learned his name was Ray and he never asked for anything as far as begging. We never gave him anything. Now I realize a lot of homeless or transient are that way for health or mental reasons and just don't prefer living in mainstream society, but I told my husband we need to buy some blankets or sundries (or something) to have available just in case. I feel like even thought this man was probably content in some ways and didn't want to change his way of living (from what I've read on the comments) I was still obligated by God to do or say something which I never did. I would be that person who Christ would look at and say when did you help me. I fail so miserably sometimes until it smacks me in the face. I just pray that I will use this example when confronted with a human who has little or nothing I will act no matter how small. God Bless!
It is difficult, Bernadette, I sympathise, whether of not to speak and if you speak , what to say? Pope Francis says we must not be too ready to throw money but take time to have a conversation. But I don't know I would be a little bit shy, maybe. Mother Teresa did all this so naturally. I suppose the reason I do not see many homeless is that I do not be out at nights much. Also there are very,very few homeless here; at least I think so. They did an experiment a few months ago where a TV Reporter pretended to be a homeless guy to see how he was treated. But everyone kept insisting on inviting him home. So he never got to stay out at nights and they had to give up.Which was beautiful, really.
There are quite a few homeless people living in N.Ireland, One particular charity have started installing wooden boxes for them to sleep in info here https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=897649833600239 Another video I watched of a tv reporter sleeping rough in Belfast made me cringe as he was abused physically and mentally in fact one young drunken girl attacked him with a stiletto heel shouting go home to your own country... video here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27475093 I am the first to feel guilty for walking by I too make excuses of they want to be homeless etc etc but when you are at the lowest point in your life how do you get back up and try again ??? you need light at the end of the tunnel maybe we could be that light..My wife would not pass anyone on the street she wont give money but will buy a sandwich or chocolate, my own son shocked me a few times by his action I was with him in the town walking and talking, As we walked I realised I was talking to myself because he had stopped a few yards back and was sitting on the ground talking to a homeless guy I stood in awe but also a little embarrassed ,when he was finished talking he got up and shock the homeless guys hand, i said to my son what were you doing he said in his belfast slang " well da I'm skint this week I know that guy as Ive helped him before, I was just letting him know that I was skint I didn't want him thinking I was ignoring him" I noticed my son was a little teary so I asked are you ok ,"aye da I'm all right he just upset me,he asked me if I needed a lend of a fiver until next week". We walked in silence for a while. It remind me of the story.. Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions. Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?” The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.” The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.” The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”
I think the poorest are the most protected by God and His Holy angels and God Himself will protect them. Scripture shows this clearly; God wil lavenge them. May God forgive me , but anyone who attacks the homeless, well they have it coming. God's revenge will pursue them.
The more I reflect upon Pope Francis and his mission in our day and time, I think he knows full well his journey as pope. He said, 'we need to shake things up' very early in his papacy. That he has been doing. He has the unltra conservative and the far left both at odds with him. He has had most all of us at one point or time (through various articles written) confused. He gave us the synod on HOT topics in the church and in the world to ruffle feathers. He had very holy Cardinals at odds with him on this, while the liberal Cardinals' applauding his apparent openess to doctrinal change. I have come to conclude he knows exactly what he is doing.........he is seperating the sheep from the goats, and when he has formally done this (perhaps at the synod in October) the persecution for he and those who remain faithful to the faith will begin. I can see this scenerio playing out quite vividly now.
This might be the calm before the storm. Just think what the storm looks like...Papa Francis has the weight of the world (souls) on his shoulders. May God Bless and Protect him. May Gods Will be Done
I'm just a simple guy especially when it comes to "theology", so to me it just comes down to that Francis IS PETER and I trust him because Jesus said so. Even though it's a Christmas song, this reminds me of these times and our attitude toward the poor. IMO Francis is asking to change our entire attitude Toward the poor. I love the following few lines from this somg: And perhaps we give a little to the poor If the generosity should seize us But if any one of us should interfere In the business of why there are poor They get the same as the rebel Jesus And I bid you cheer From a heathen and a pagan On the side of the rebel Jesus
