This past weekend I was privileged. Yes, Sunday I went to Mass and realized the tremendous goodness of God in giving me His very Body and Blood to nourish me on my journey. Yes, the day before I helped a bit with the bookstore at the monastery, then helped a bit with the Garage Sale for our Social Justice program. And yes, it helps me to help others. But, above all, Sunday I was privileged to help feed the homeless. It was my first time and I was told to “go to the harbor”… and my little Buttercup (VW Bug) did many a twist and turn before we found out ‘where’ at the harbor. Tables were set up, food placed in order of rice, stew, rolls, pineapple, cookies, and drinks. An extra area was arranged with needed items for our guests…you know diapers, shampoo, laundry soap etc.

We stood with spoons in hand and gradually one after another arrived. I heard many a ‘thank you’ from the eldest to the little tykes. My heart was touched as they looked at me with hungry eyes…hungry not only for the food we gave, but more so for a smile, a word of welcome, an indication that they were precious in our eyes. And we did so with a word of recognition, a little hug here and even a kiss for a romantic old guy. Youngsters pointed to the pineapple…”I like!” One little boy came back for thirds. We wrapped plates for those unable to come from their car/residences.

In the course of visiting with the regular helpers, they revealed that they were being evicted once more. Where will they go? Who knows? Felicia is still on her way! I imagined them seeking a place for the night cramped in old vans and cars, huddled under tents. My heart hurt.

Yet Jesus is/was present. Sure we brought Him from the Eucharist, in a warm smile, a kind word, an extra scoop of this or that. But more so, they brought Him to us for they are His ‘favorites’, His ‘little ones’.

They satisfied their physical hunger and carefully deposited their trash and called “Mahalo.” Little did they know that I should have been calling “Mahalo” to each of them…and to Him who reawakened in me a greater sense of gratitude. Surely I was privileged!

Tags: Reflection