April 23

Today’s Readings: ACTS 5:27-33 PS 34:2, 9, 17-20 JN 3:31-36

Today’s Psalm says, “The Lord hears the cry of the poor. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”

Yesterday morning, as I pulled into the barren church parking lot, I saw a car that could only be described as obviously belonging to someone who lived out of it. The presumed owner of the car is a sixty-year-old man who goes by “Sonny.” He’s from Michigan. He has two sisters and a brother. His father has passed away, but his mother is still alive. I’ll let the rest remain between us.

How do I know all these things?

I introduced myself, I asked questions, and I showed an interest in him. And this was before I gave him part of my lunch and connected him to people who could help him.

It’s a funny thing. As his car backed up, before pulling out of the church parking lot, do you know what he said? He thanked me. Not for sacrificing part of my lunch. Not for connecting him with an organization that can give him some of the help he needs.

“Hey, David! Thanks for listening!”

And he pulled away.

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy. If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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