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The real blessing is...

12/4/2019

4 Comments

 
Tonight, as I was driving by a parking lot in the bleak and snowy weather, feeling downcast and discouraged by difficulties from recent weeks, I saw a guy dumpster-diving in a clothing donations bin in the dark. Pulling over to ask if there was anything I can do to help, I was shocked to see a guy probably in his 30's, not older than me. 

He said what he needed most was a warm pair of gloves to make it through the cold night, as his was full of holes. Since all the stores were closed, I offered him mine, though they were rather worn. He hesitated, but I insisted that he tried them on – they fit. The look on his face was one of genuine happiness and gratitude, over just my old worn pair of gloves. My heart ached. We made a run to Tim’s to get some food, and I let him know about the Feed The Hungry program every Sunday at St. Mary’s. He shared with me that he went to a Catholic school growing up, so I asked him if there was anything I can help pray for. Looking away, he stood silent for what seemed like a minute, neither speaking or moving. Then, with tears in his eyes, he asked me to pray for his two kids whom he hasn’t seen in a long time. I promised I would pray for him, and in your charity, I ask that you please pray for Mike and his kids too. He was so grateful, but to me he was the real blessing tonight, as he snapped me out of focusing on myself and my own problems. God bless Mike, and may he receive all the graces and help needed to be reunited with his kids.  #iamblessed 
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Shared by Dr. Thomas Fung, parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish in Calgary, Vice President of Calgary Catholic Medical Association.  ​Photo credit: Dr. Thomas Fung
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4 Comments
Alice Matisz
12/5/2019 09:19:43 pm

Thank you for showing us that the homeless aren’t scary, they’re ‘sacred’, because in them we see Jesus.

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Joycelyn
12/18/2019 11:01:55 am

As Catholics we need to remember that prudence is a virtue. There’s a homeless man who used to always come in to my place of employment. He was, generally speaking, okay to deal with as long as he was sober. The police have since banned him from the property because one day he came in when he was high and the owner asked him to leave, at which point he tried to assault the owner.

We must use prudence when dealing with people, including the homeless. As a woman, I’m not going to be pulling my car over in the dark to speak to a homeless person.

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Virginia Battiste
12/6/2019 09:58:55 am

What courage to have the fortitude to 'forget about yourself', pull over, and ask!!!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, and reminding us to be on the lookout for opportunities to reach out to others, whoever, or wherever, or whatever, that might look like!

Be blessed, as you continue to be a blessing!!!

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Elizabeth Gouthro
12/8/2019 05:26:21 am

I appreciated these stories on the Importance of building relationships with Indigenous peoples . I always look forward to the stories of how each of us in our daily lives live the life of Christ in our relationships with each other.
I would recommend that the word Indigenous should be capitalized as you are speaking of a nation similar to English, French etc. This capitalization of the word Indigenous demonstrates nation to nation respect.
Thanks

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