The first thing that comes to mind is that the angel is an unwanted “guest” as if he imposed himself upon the lives of Pelayo and his wife. But still they took care of him; kind of. They gave him shelter, a chicken coop and later a shed; food, at least whatever the townspeople threw to him. But they kept him around for their own gain. They turned him into a circus show and made money off of him. They compared him to the freak show that often came into town. And when he started getting better, they were happy not because he was no longer miserable but because maybe, just maybe he would leave.
You see them every day; the homeless, the beggars, the panhandlers on the side of the road. And you know that they need help. You drive by them on your way to school, your way to work, and still they go “unnoticed”. Their lives untouched, or we talk about them with the windows rolled up; “Why don’t they just get a job and stop wasting their life?” And we live with them everywhere, everyday; and when they finally leave we are filled with joy. Not because we are happy with their advancements towards a better life, but because we don’t have to deal with them anymore.
What would happen if we as the church (which is what I feel this story is portraying in a way with the reference to angels and Father Gonzaga) stop passing by, and become the Samaritans that Christ talks about. That even our enemies will know us for our love. When will the church that Christ talks about in the gospels come to life?
Never will I tire from doing good, for even if I fail; to stand by and watch would defeat my soul.
“Papa, help me to find the most in every opportunity. That everything I experience would present its self a widow to show your love. May the people I come in contact with feel the compassion that you have for them in a way that is most real to them. Help them to see Christ in me. I love you Papa.”
No comments:
Post a Comment