By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
A while back, I wrote about two homeless men sitting along the bike trail between the O Street bridge and the Devaney Center. As I approached them after a jog, they invited me to sit by them to chat. One of the men knew I was a priest at Catholic Social Services.
Seconds after sitting between them, the one who knew I was a priest asked, “What do you see when you look at me?” I replied, “I see Jesus!” The other man immediately thanked me and said that most people walk past him while looking away, as if he was a leper.
Around four months later, the same man and his friend came in for a clothing voucher. He was fortunate to have found a job and is off the streets, sharing a small place with his friend.
Since his income is very limited after paying the rent and utilities, he was in need of some clothes and did not have the money to purchase them.
After handing them a clothing voucher, his friend asked what he had to do to pay for it. The staff member who gave him the voucher said, “It does not cost anything, but if you want to do something for us, please say a prayer for us!” Immediately, they both headed for the chapel to say some prayers, meaning that they had been in there before, praying.
I would not go so far as to say that the doors to our chapels are akin to the doors to Grand Central Station, but it is amazing how many people encounter the love and mercy of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in our chapels scattered across the diocese.
During this most holy time of year, in which we mark the definitive victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death, I pray you will make the time to spend some extra moments in front of the Blessed Sacrament to thank Jesus for offering His sacrifice on the cross for us and to love and adore Him Who is truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska will keep you, your family and intentions in our special prayers this Easter and Easter season. The Lord Jesus truly is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!
