By Father Christopher Kubat
Our sack lunch programs in Hastings and Lincoln have allowed us to interact with the poor and needy in a unique manner. Recently, a man came in for a sack lunch. I was informed he was ‘smiling ear to ear.’ I was told his joy and happiness were infectious.
As he turned to leave after picking up his meal, the volunteers noticed he did not have legs. He hobbled out on his artificial legs with a smile of gratitude.
Later, another man came and said something surprising. It turns out he did not need or want a lunch but was compelled to thank us because he felt the program saved his life three years ago. Because we all struggle from loneliness from time to time, I surmise that in addition to freeing up funds each day, it was the loving contact he received that helped him through a tough patch.
During my last visit to the area, while we handed out the sack lunches, I was able to talk to one of the recipients. As we chatted, his gratitude and friendliness were quite obvious. Even though individuals who come to us are not rich materially, they freely share the wealth of their love as we share our love with them.
One of our staff members also related a story that happened last year when he was handing out water to those living on the streets when the weather was blistering hot.
After greeting and handing out water to a small group of homeless men under one of the bridges downtown, they all stood in a circle, and wanted to hold hands and pray. He thought they would ask for some additional material or financial assistance and was surprised that instead of praying for themselves, one of the men said a prayer which went something like this, ‘O Lord, please help this man who has brought us water. Help him in his ministry in helping people like us.’
This is one of the unique characteristics of many individuals who are materially poor. In my experience many of the poorest of the poor are not only willing to share what little material wealth they have with others, but are also open to praying and sharing the faith.
This is our main concern at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, as we ultimately want to help save every soul who comes through our doors or the souls of those we meet in the streets or under bridges.
Please continue to pray for our outreach to the poor and needy across the 24,000 square miles that is the Diocese of Lincoln.
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us and our ministry to Jesus Who lives in those in need (Mt 25:31-46).
