perils of a catholic upbringing

As I walked down the busy footpath, knowing I
was late for Mass, my eye fell upon one of
those unfortunate, homeless vagabonds
that are found in every city these days.


Some people turned to stare. Others quickly
looked away as if the sight would somehow
contaminate them.


Recalling my old pastor, Father Mike, who always admonished me to "care for the sick, feed the
hungry and clothe the naked," I was moved
by some powerful inner urge to reach out
to this unfortunate person.


Wearing what can only be described as rags, carrying every worldly possession in two plastic bags, my
heart was touched by this person's condition.


Yes, where some people saw only rags,
I saw a true, hidden beauty.


A small voice inside my head called out, "Reach
out, reach out and touch this person!"



...................So I did...


..................I won't be at Mass this week...