It has been interesting celebrating Lent and the three special days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday here in Philadelphia. Lent began with cold, gray weather and snow storms. Today, Easter Sunday, the city is in full bloom, the temperatures are near 70, and all of nature seems to have risen from dormancy. Here at the Inn our hearts are glad. We have tried to be steadfast in our Lenten sacrifices. We have had liturgies with music that reflected the theme of turning our hearts closer to God. We have remembered the Passion and Death of Our Lord. Now we are celebrating the triumph of life over death.
Yet there is still sadness in the world. Outside my door as I write this, Danny is stretched out on the sidewalk, perpetually drunk, dying of AIDS. We hear that someone was shot down the street a few days ago. Tiffany, a young mother of 4, comes to the Inn saying she is homeless. She has been tossed from her mother's house because she is perpetually high on drugs. Two members of the staff get her into a shelter. Two days later, she is back on the streets because she wouldn't follow the rules.
Yet my faith tells me that good does triumph over evil, that Jesus rose and promises eternal life. Somehow, the followers of the Risen Christ need to get that message across to the people of Kensington and all those who feel lost and forsaken.
At least you are trying!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being the carriers of "The Good News"
Peace and Joy to you both!
"Remember, the poor will always be with you." I think this was said not to discourage us but to ENcourage us. It is not that our efforts are doomed to failure, but that there will always be those who need to receive the love of God, so it is up to us to spread that love always.
ReplyDeleteRick