Our readings this weekend really tie into the news of the day. In many urban settings in these United States, homelessness—or as we are supposed to call them, “the unsheltered,” is an overwhelming problem. And we might think, “How may I solve this problem?” Well, truth is we alone cannot solve the problem at hand, for it requires a large urban planning effort; it requires large sums of money, it requires a Will to act and to deal not just with affordable housing but also with issues of mental health, returning military troops with PTSD and more, and a generosity of the heart to really act and to SOLVE the problem, not just politically kick-the-can-down-the-road.

But our scripture readings today tell us what we can do at least to start the process and the discussion moving forward. They say film imitates life, perhaps life-lived in service may inspire politics to act.

In our first reading today, the prophet Isaiah (58: 7-10) says, “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” Now we might all say, “So what good does that really good ? What does a sandwich or a hot meal, or one of my old shirts or sweaters really do or mean?”

Well, it may not solve the huge urban problem of homelessness, but in the moment that we make and hand a sandwich to the hungry, or in the few minutes we take to clean out a closet and deliver some clothes to a shelter, we become the Light of Christ to those in need. That act changes us, and it changes our brother and sister in need. It begins the conversation. And as our youth ministry members have learned from the Boston Mission Trip experiences, when you take the time to meet the homeless, to sit and talk with them, you realize that the down-on-their-luck experience is really the only difference between us and them. They are human. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, they are “our own,” on whom God says “Do not turn your back on.”

His Kingdom begins in the mustard seed-sized act, in the heart and in the hands. Amen! Let’s all take another look at Pantry Partners, Feed the Hungry, Street Sandwich Ministry, St. Elizabeth House, Knights of Malta House of Car, Youth Ministry—all here at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 658 1642