A Life Beyond Samaritan
If there’s one thing we could do in a day what would that be? I guess it’s common to say, at least for me, I would do an outdoor activity, that is, commune with nature or perhaps play golf. But whatever we have in mind there’s one thing we need to see other than the things we want for ourselves. Keep in mind the less fortunate ones around us that don’t have the luxury, yes luxury of having everything or at least some of life’s basic necessities.
We see these people every day in the streets, young and old, then we question why and how they become homeless in a place of plenty and abundance.
WIMO’s Ajax lifegroups had the chance to visit one of the shelters in downtown Toronto. Led by Ptr. Joven and Ptr. Rey along with their wives, the lifegroup members got involved in helping the people who run the Good Shepherd Shelter. I was caught surprised by the number of volunteers from all walks of life that shared their time and effort to be of help. I was with my daughter setting the beddings and she asked if we could go to the kitchen area. To her surprise it was one of the busiest places to help; she never knew then how fresh cut meat was prepared and she’s amazed volunteers did it so as to help. On my part, I did enjoy the help needed by the cook aka “the MasterChef”. I had a blast of doing the stuff in the back kitchen. The rest of the team was in the laundry area doing the folding and other stuff for the beddings.
The place really has a lot to be done in a day. I could just imagine the extensive labour to run the place all year round. It really needs a helping hand and a heart to do all these things in a day. Our groups shared the taste of what needed to be done but we were there just only for a day. What happens the next day or the weeks and months to follow? It’s a daily routine that never ends to give that kind of help for those in need, particularly the homeless in this case. We did not have the chance to encounter and get close and personal with the homeless. I was hoping for such encounter to know their stories but time was limited to extend our stay. Regardless, the short stay already offered me so much to reflect on. Reflecting on what Christ had done for us, and what we could do for others in return. When was the last time we fed the hungry? What about giving a drink to one who was thirsty? A stranger invited to a home and was given rest, food and clothing? the sick and was cared for? And a visit to someone in prison? These were all mentioned by Christ in Matthew 25: 35-36. Believe that we serve Christ through others in such life situations. People in need of help and a saviour. We need to do our part. It is not too late to begin being beyond a good Samaritan… now.
— Jimmy Cruz
