Come and See!

February 12, 2012:  The 6^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The images from today’s Old Testament reading can make us uncomfortable. It’s not the sort of discussion we like to hear. The treatment of those afflicted with disease seems harsh as well, but really, it’s not much different from the way we deal with communicable disease today. Think about when the AIDS virus first appeared and the way those infected were treated; or more recently, the H1N1 virus outbreak and the fear it evoked. Thankfully, we have dedicated medical personnel and caregivers who willingly touch and treat those who might otherwise be considered untouchable. And we, of course, have dismissed the idea that a person’s misfortune or illness is God’s punishment for their sins or those of their parents.

Or have we?

While the homeless, the addict, and the mentally ill may not be afflicted with something we can “catch,” do we look through the eyes of compassion—the eyes of Jesus—without judgment when we encounter their need? Or, do we hold them accountable for the condition of their lives? In some cases, it was poor choices made by the person that led them to a life on the streets. But I always look into the eyes of the homeless children we serve and pray that they will have the strength and support to break the cycle of which they are now a part. It is very hard to see a life any different from that which your family has known, perhaps for generations.  It is a cycle that is very hard to break.

Jesus didn’t ask the leper how he got there. Jesus saw his need. He touched him. He restored the man’s dignity and health. “He was made clean” by the loving touch of Christ. Who will you touch today?

People often discuss whether it’s right to give money to those begging on the streets. I read an article by a priest who said it was not ours to judge how the money would be used; that we are to give as Christ would give. Most charitable organizations suggest that you give money to groups that directly serve the poor, to ensure the funds will be used productively.

If you don’t want to give money, there are other ways to reach out. Keep a supply of new socks in your car.  Clean socks are something everyone needs, and they don’t take up much room in a backpack or pocket. An organization we work with gives out new socks filled with small toiletries.  Healing hand lotions are good in the winter; sunscreen in the summer.  A friend of mine keeps juice boxes in her car. Packages of cheese crackers are good since they provide some protein.

Yes, you will have a few people get angry at you for not giving them money; those whose driving need to feed their addiction causes them to lash out. But most often, you have chance to touch someone who doesn’t get touched a lot, to smile and look in the eyes of someone whose dignity is in short supply.  Can we cure them like Christ did? Probably not, but you never know where a healing touch can lead.

Lent starts a week from Wednesday. If judging the needy is a problem for you, think about “fasting” from judgment this Lent.  Remember too, there are many people who deal with spiritual poverty. We may find ourselves judging them as well. Pray this Lent to be able to see others with the eyes of Christ.  

(Yes, Lent is fast approaching.  As we did last year, “Come and See” will take a break and be replaced by “Provisions for the Journey to Jerusalem“—brief daily reflections—starting Sunday, February 26. Preacher Exchange readers will find these under the “Come and See” banner; others will receive them via email as usual.)

Elaine Ireland has a passion for working with parents and anyone who struggles to maintain a sense of God’s love and peace amid the day-to-day challenges of life. She has a master’s degree in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from the Pastoral Counseling department at Loyola, Maryland, with a focus on developmental psychology and spiritual guidance.  Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, she is a writer, retreat and workshop leader, and presenter on topics such as pastoral parenting, “letting go,” and finding the spiritual in the midst of everyday life. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with her husband, Mark and children, David and Maggie.

We hope you enjoy "Come and See!" and we welcome your input. Please contact Elaine Ireland at ehireland@loyola.edu with questions, comments, and responses.

© 2009, Elaine H. Ireland - Images@FaithClipart.com