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.
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BTW, Fr. Michael is a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington.