Psalm Reflection: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

“Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.” - Psalm 113

It’s. So. Awkward. You know what I mean? That moment, we’ve all been there: you are stopped at a red light right in the front of the line right next to the curb. Out of the corner of your eye you notice a homeless person with a sign making direct eye contact with you. You start to panic and the internal battle begins: 

“Do I help them? What do I give them? I don’t want to give them money in case they misuse it, but I don’t have any food either. Ok don’t make eye contact so they won’t come to the window. Come on turn green, light!”

I will fully admit that I’ve been there, There are so many things going through our minds. We want to do the right thing for that person, but in our panic or anxiety we do the worst thing we do something worse: we ignore them. We refuse to even acknowledge another human being in front of us. Homeless people are people. Before getting food or money, most of them just want to be seen.

This is what Jesus did for the poor: He healed and restored their humanity. Yes, He preached that we should help and be generous to the poor and I wholeheartedly believe that we should do that too, but when we praise God for “lifting up” the poor, I think that goes deeper than giving “stuff” and challenges us to elevate those who are ignored in our society back to the level of dignity they deserve. Treating another person with kindness and dignity can make all the difference in that persons day, even their life. It can be the thing that stops the voice in their head that says nobody cares about them or notices what they are going through. It can be the thing that helps them see their life is worth living and that other people would care and notice if they were gone.

So, by all means, please give what you to people, to organizations, to help with momentary needs like food and money. But every single day, also seek to be generous in your presence in recognizing Jesus in others. This week, be approachable and don’t be afraid to smile, wave, and ask the name of a homeless person or any stranger who God puts on your heart. If you have nothing to give but your prayers, offer those. It could make all the difference. We are praying for you this week!

See you in the Eucharist.