By Fr. Justin Fulton
As I type in my office it is currently 7:23 a.m. on a Monday morning. Billy Idol’s version of “Mony Mony” is playing on the computer radio. Hundreds of cars go eastbound and westbound on O Street in Lincoln, heading to a workday or getting off a night shift. Hot black coffee perfumes my office. It is quiet. The prayers have been said for our employees, volunteers, benefactors, and clients. The day seems like an ordinary Monday. The routine and ritual of a Monday morning is regular.
We all have a normal routine we like to try to follow. As humans we like to control our day. It is part of our human pride. We don’t like it when an unforeseen circumstance comes about and levels our day. The thought of a blown tire, a car that doesn’t start, an extra bill or two or some other unfortunate circumstance gives us anxiety, stress, and throws us out of whack.
*Inhale a sip of hot, black coffee.*
Recently, CSS helped another homeless person get an apartment and get a career. Jaime came to us from a neighborhood park near CSS in Lincoln over the lunch hour. After talking with us, he said he had a plan to get back on his feet again but simply needed a few days’ worth of routine so he could concentrate on getting better. All he wanted was a few nights of good sleep, an opportunity to collect his thoughts, a shower, and then an opportunity to put a plan into action. CSS helped him out. We put him in a hotel for a couple of weeks and within a few days we made contacts with a business to get him an interview.
Jaime soared at the interview and within a week of talking with us he found full-time employment. Jaime broke dependency and became independent. CSS gave him a hand-up!
Jaime needed just a little bit of a routine to get back onto a path of self-sustainability.
We take our routines for granted. May we always remember there are neighbors of ours—fellow human beings—fighting to have a chance at a routine and fighting simply to sleep and feel their innate worth.
Everything we do at CSS physically is derivative of a spiritual reality… that Christ lives in His poor and each of us is commanded to serve Him. Jesus was born homeless amongst animals in a manger. He was rejected by his own people and born without routine. Yet, God the Father’s love kept Him safe… and that invitation from God the Father is given to you and to me. Have you ever helped provide a person a home or a sleep-filled night? Have you ever helped a person get a job? Do you pray for the poor, hungry, vulnerable, homeless and those escaping from domestic violence? CSS works with these people every day.
We are doing the most important work of the Church. We do it well and we are proud to be Catholic apostles of goodness and care in this world that needs it.
Thank you for partnering with us to bring Hope in the Good Life!
Thank you for your prayers and support of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. May God bless and keep you always!
