I was hungry and you gave me a dollar

Many years ago, I was blessed to volunteer at a downtown mission center in Denver, Colorado. The mission center offered clothing and food supplies to the homeless and indigent population surrounding the ‘old church’ in the city. I learned a great deal from the nun who was director.

She used to say to me, “God never said, ‘I was hungry and you gave me a dollar.’ We don’t give money. We feed their bodies and pray for their soul.” Of course, she was referencing Matthew 25, the famous passage every Christian uses to encourage care for the poor.

I have quoted Mother Elizabeth many times in the past thirty-five years. She taught me that it wasn’t compassionate to throw money at beggars. Real compassion was helping their true needs. I watched her as she prayed for them and with them AND fed them.

I was again reminded of Mother Elizabeth as I read today’s passage in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostles walked and talked with Jesus. They witnessed the resurrected Christ. Their faith in Him, and their obedience to His call in Matthew 25 converge in today’s passage.

In those days, Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Acts 3.1-8

Even Saint Luke (author of Acts) tells us the beggar was expecting a handout. Instead of a few coins he was healed and praised God. I like to think the beggar became an evangelist from that moment, sharing what God had done for him.

As we come to the end of Bright Week, or Renewal Week, still joyously singing Christ is Risen throughout the day, we are gently reminded by God that His resurrection isn’t just a time to light our candles and eat lamb. His resurrection is our chance to be evangelists for Christ.

This is where it gets a bit sticky. We aren’t all called to walk the streets feeding the poor, but we all encounter people who need Christ. Matthew 25 is more than food and clothing. Genuine joy in the resurrection would compel us to praise God by praying for those we encounter.

It might look like this. We’re driving through town and pass a beggar on the street corner. Instead of reaching in our pocket and throwing a few coins at the beggar, say a prayer and ask God to have mercy on the beggar and to bless the beggar.

Some parishes have homeless ministries, soup kitchens, food pantries etc. Some even prepare special ‘blessing bags’ for us to keep in our car. Instead of cash (I never give cash) the ‘blessing bags’ can offer them a snack, fresh socks, even some basic toiletries.

The point is to help their needs. The Apostles didn’t give the beggar cash. Instead, they saw his true needs. If you want to feed someone, give him food. If you want to bless him, pray for him. Ask God to bless him.

You might say to me, “Sure, but what he needs IS money.” That may be true, but you can’t possibly be compassionate throwing a few coins at him. Stop and take time to get to know him. Offer to assist him finding work. Hire him for some chores, and THEN give him money.

If you can’t be bothered to know the person, you can’t be compassionate. You might ‘feel good about yourself’ when you throw a few coins in his cup. But you will never know the joy of watching him walk and praise God until you get to know him, and pray with him.

That’s really at the root of Matthew 25. We are called by God so see Christ in everyone. We can only do this by getting to know them. Here’s something to consider about today’s passage. IF all the beggar needed was some cash, then why was he still there after so many years?

Christ is Risen.