It’s fortuitous that I would see and read this article today because just this morning I had an encounter with a homeless person.

He was sitting at the exit from the subway, saying to each person that passed by, “Can you spare a dollar or two for me?”  When it was my turn for him to address me I said “Not today. Sorry” and continued on my way.

Half way up the escalator I felt ashamed. I thought of Jesus’ words regarding what we do for the least of our brothers. I wondered if that was Jesus and I failed the test. Not only had I ignored this brother, but I had lied to him. He had asked if I could spare a dollar or two and I said no.

That wasn’t true. I certainly could have spared a dollar or two. I just didn’t want to. Well, that’s not entirely true. I said “no” automatically, as if by rote.

I walked the rest of the way to work thinking about what I could do differently. (Mind you, I felt bad, but my pride wouldn’t let me go back. Silly, I know, and I’m ashamed of it now.) My thought at that time was that I could put a few $1’s in my front pocket so as to be prepared for this next time. This article gave me more ideas as to what I could do.

I hope it gives you some also.