Here’s the story of a pastor disguised as a homeless person at the church of his new assignment. He asked churchgoers for change to buy food, but no one gave him any. Only 3 said hello.
He entered the sanctuary, sat in the front area but was told to sit at the back and he obeyed. He greeted people but got stares and dirty looks instead. He listened to the church announcements. The elders were excited to introduce their new pastor to the congregation. “ Shortly, we’ll to introduce to you our new Pastor.” Everybody looked around clapping joyfully in anticipation. From the back, the homeless man walked down the aisle and the clapping stopped. Upon reaching the altar, he recited something, saying; “ Then the King will say to those on his right. “ Come you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. “ For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, sick and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
Then the righteous will answer him, “ Lord when did we see you hungry and fed you, or thirsty and gave you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcomed you, naked and clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visited you? The King will reply;” Truly I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sister of mine, you did it for me.”
The homeless man looked at the congregation and told them what he experienced that morning. Many began to cry, and many heads were bowed down in shame. He then said; “ Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will you decide to become disciples? “ He then dismissed the service for next week.
Following the footsteps of Jesus should be more than just talk, its living his footsteps.
Do not judge by appearance for there’s more beneath the external. Within an ugly face could be a beautiful heart full of kindness. Within a weak body could be a strong faith in God. Inside a sickly person could be a healthy soul. Beneath the scar could be a story of triumph and heroism.
On the flip side, someone said that God sees and understands us. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from himself. Two things prevent us from happiness; living in the past and observing others. When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When stressed, pause. And when you pause, pray. Your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give. Don’t be disappointed if people refuse you. Remember the words of Einstein; “ I’m thankful to all who said NO. Because of them, I did it all.” Faith is seeing light with your heart when your eyes see darkness. No response is a response. God’s plans will always be greater and more beautiful than all your disappointments. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “ Speak to the world about My mercy”. ( Diary 1190).
Pray the Divine Mercy every 3 p.m. Daily pray the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the world.