Dignity and Respect

As we come to the end of Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy, it is important to discern what we have learned and how we carry it forward. Pope Francis continues to encourage us to push more deeply into mercy. Listen to his words in one of his last jubilee celebration:

“I ask your forgiveness if I have ever offended you with my words or for not having said something that I should have,” the pope said Nov. 11 during an audience with pilgrims attending special Year of Mercy events for people who are homeless or otherwise socially excluded. Read more...

Many of us perform acts of mercy to care for others. We do it to help others. Many times it is on behalf of the needy, just one or two steps away from the intended recipient. Perhaps it is a generous donation of money to a food pantry, volunteering a precious Saturday morning packing food for the hungry, donating clothes for the homeless or fundraising for a charitable organization.

These are all beautiful acts of mercy as they are making important contributions to help others. But there is another level for you to incorporate - directly helping another person. A direct 1:1 outreach to let the person know you care, that you know they are there. It is an encounter with dignity and respect.

What makes this type of merciful act so special is the direct acknowledgement of one of God's children. Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of being homeless or being hungry is that many who pass you every day just pretend that you are not there. This sense of invisibility hurts and makes their situation even more difficult.

There are many ways to show mercy directly to someone in need. We unfortunately have many homeless people in our downtown neighborhoods. Do you acknowledge them or glance away? One very special program is right here in River North at Catholic Charities. Every Thursday and Friday night, a team from Holy Name Cathedral gather to create and serve a hot meal to 130 people. The meal is marked with prayer, warmth and grace. 

Consider this next time you pass a homeless person - acknowledge them, share a blessing, treat them with dignity and respect. Volunteer at a Catholic Charities supper to provide both spiritual nurturing as well urgently needed meal. You will discover something new in yourself.