Spreading God's Love

Hey y'all.

Okay that totally didn't sound like a Canadian greeting.

Anyway, after Sunday mass on my way home i stop and chat with a gentleman who is not well off financially. When i first met him and for the following few weeks he asked for change. I obliged. I mean what am i going to do with my money? Spend it on things i don't really need? Besides i believe that money

which you consider your own, isn't really yours. The money in your wallet and bank account belongs to God. An important part of our Catholic faith is to love our brothers and sisters. Brothers and sisters meaning everybody. A good way to love our brothers and sisters is by helping them when they are in need.

Jesus Christ didn't just hang out with politicians and lawyers and religous leaders. He spent a great deal of time, more time with beggars and the downcast(is that a word?you know what i mean.)

Back to my story. I crossed the street to get to this gentleman and like usual i greeted him by name and shook his hand and asked him how he's doin. I could see in his eyes a difference than when i first met him.
Today he told me that he has life difficulties but that he knows God will help him through. This blew my mind. All of a sudden he actually seems to have some sort of relationship with God.

He also told me that a Christian like me (referring to myself) will be persecuted by the community because i follow Jesus. I told him that i agree but that he who suffers persecution because of Jesus' name will persevere to the end and will be saved. He smiled at me and nodded his head.

At that point and shook his hand and said goodbye. He told me that he will continue praying for me. Just as i had asked him to a few weeks ago. I told him that i'll keep praying for him as well and with this said we parted ways and i told him that i'll see him next weekend.

Those of you who always question and analyse the idea of giving money to others just don't seem to understand. Yes, some beggars are fakes. But i'll take my chances and hope that a small donation to them or a smile and greeting will make them feel cared about. If it's a fake beggar then it's a fake beggar. If i were to over analyse my friend's situation he would be a beggar on the street asking for money. At least now he understands that God is with him and to me that's worth every cent i give him.

Understand that when church service is over our Catholic beliefs are not over. As followers of Christ we represent God's love in the secular community.

Peace be with all of you and may God bless you.

Peter @ Fort Zion
~ ~(07/22/07)