Neglected Christs

 

"Remember that the Christian life is one of action; not of speech and daydreams. Let there be few words and many deeds, and let them be done well."

 --St. Vincent Pallotti

In my previous post, I mentioned learning to intentionally structure our daily lives so that we build in "do-nothing" (white) space in order to focus more on 'being' instead of 'doing.' Today may seem like a contradiction to that post, since it focuses on a low-hanging but overlooked segment of potential charity that necessitates action over being. It does piggyback off that previous post, however in the sense that the 'doing' in this case is actually a manifestation of presence/being. If you are "so busy" in your normal life, this is the reason behind training ourselves to intentionally carve out empty space so that it paradoxically may be filled--not with leisure or empty caloric-time, but with the charity we are commanded to exercise.

When we think of "the poor" as a general term, we perhaps imagine a homeless man or woman on the street under dirty blankets asking for handouts. The action in this case is feeding, sheltering, clothing, etc., which takes work. This is an easy example. But there is another population of the poor we don't typically think about because they are not in plain sight and often live under the radar.

One in three of Americans aged 65 and older are economically insecure, with incomes 200% below the poverty line. But as the NIH notes, almost one quarter of community dwelling Americans 65 and older are also socially isolated. An astounding 60% of nursing home patients never have visitors. This population of Americans are not only poor, but incredibly lonely.

What's heartening about this situation is that American Christians are not in short supply. And we don't even need to stress about "solving the problem" on a large scale--you simply "start with one," as Mother Teresa said (Is 51:10; Mt 25:35). Like the Gospel, it costs nothing to enact, but demands everything from us (our presence). Anyone can do this work of mercy. The doing is the being.

Here's how it could work. As I was reflecting on this issue this morning, I sent an email to our parish secretary asking if she knew of or could identity seniors or shut-ins (either parishioners or those in the community, Catholic or not), and if they would be open to a visit to their home and sharing their contact info. Then, you would reach out and ask if they would be open to a visit. If your schedule precludes physical visits, phone calls or postal letters are a great substitute. Have you ever gotten a hand-written letter in the mail and felt a touch of excitement, because it is so rare to receive one today, and that someone cared enough to take the time to write and send it? Think about that.

If they are open to a visit, show up with a commitment to just be, to listen. Don't try to solve anything or do anything--your presence is the present, as the saying goes. Bring a small gift, nothing big--a flower or a card or even a Miraculous Medal on a chain they can wear. Ask them questions--about their life, growing up, their hobbies or interests. Smile. Be present. Bring a kid or two of yours if you can--the elderly love young kids, and it also serves as a witness of charity to your children they will remember. 

This isn't overly complicated. But it does take you making the time, taking the first step, a little bit of logistics, and exercising the muscle of the heart. "Half the battle is just showing up" as one of my friends would say.

The returns, I suspect, would be compounded one-hundred fold. Not only spiritually, but in the life of the poor old Christ you visit. You may extend their life, since loneliness is an epidemic. You may instill in them hope that they are not alone. Just as the Sabbath was made for man, so the exercise of charity goes beyond merit or command, but the joy of the gift for the recipient, the joy of doing the Lord's work for the Christian. 

A lot of my writing is theological, big-picture, speculative. This is 100% pragmatic. It can appeal to the "doers" but also more introverted types, since it is a one:one connection. It is for both Marthas and Marys. It models our Blessed Mother's charity (the Visitation), and fulfills the commands of the Lord on which we will be judged (Mt 25). It gets us out of our selves, so it's good for our mental health if you are struggling with depression. It gives witness to our children, and solves a tangible problem with no money and no overhead. Christ sets the example, and we follow it.

We often ask like Pilate, when confronted with these overwhelming societal issues, "Who are the poor?" Perhaps they are right under our nose, and we haven't seen them because we haven't gone out to look. 

I'll let you know when I hear back from our parish secretary, and how it goes. Maybe you can do the same? Then we can say with our Lord, "my bread is to do the will of Him who sent me" (Jn 4:34).