On the occasional afternoon at 4 o’clock, I will watch an episode of “Judge Judy”. I enjoy her wit, as well as, practical advice. The other day a defendant was explaining that she was homeless and she proclaimed it as if saying “that’s life” and I’m fine with my circumstance – sleeping on a friend’s couch or the backseat of my car. This explanation made me shutter. How have we come to this position? “None are so blind as those who do not see.”
Living in a country that has so much, we have an overwhelming number of people who have so little. It is not the time to play the blame game – verbally or silently. I think most of us do just that! Not me you say! “If only they would…” Well homelessness takes many avenues. There are those we recognize as not having shelter and there are those that we may live with who have no inner shelter. These folks may be surrounded by many, but their inner spirit feels isolated, homeless and without companionship. I admit that I struggle at times to know what to do and how to sincerely reach out to them.
Society has fund raisers and tries to raise public awareness. Within our own families and community, we need to find other ways to give a home to the inner spirit. I find that I have to pray to be patient with myself and not give up, especially to “listening” and not “being” quick to give advice. You have to admit, it is difficult not to be always right! So let’s put on our listening ears and listening hearts. Give a heart home to those who need us, not to build a house around them, but to light the hearth in their hearts.
Jesus said “But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’” I say “strike that match!” And still every day we must ask “Who is my neighbour”?
Barbara Vaughan CSJ