woman and child

Today is the fifteenth Sunday in ordinary time. July 11th, 2010
This picture of the woman and child I took in plaza Colon which is outside the Franciscan Church. Only about ten minutes from our Maryknoll house by taxi.

The Bolivian woman, this one being a native do not like to have their picture taken. It is very delicate. She speaks quechua and not Spanish, she is from Potosi that is from the mountains. They come here from a long distane and they beg for money. Even the children will go out you beginning for money. Although this child looks more or less around the age of your little boy Archi. So I don't think that he or she would be begging for money but drinking the milk from the Mother.

Today the readings are on the Good Samaritan. And you have played that role very well Jonrey in your life. Ever since I met you at the Christ in the Desert Monastery in New Mexico with that Brother that was in the infirmary at the time.

Then your own experiences in taking care of the needs of the homeless in Chicago during the evening time on the bus in night ministry. I actually have forgotten the name but I was with you to visit the place and then afterwards we went to a Philippine restaurant.

Then after Maryknoll your help to so many people in their homes in Chicago especially with the old people who needed special care. You had a lot of compassion and selfless care for these people who might have been forgotten or who have felt useless or not worthwhile.

In the American Society there is that tendency to send the parents wo an old age home or to get them out of the way. It is your tender loving care that matters. They have felt appreciated from a person who is not there own nationality.

This is what a Good Samaritan means to me, a person who gives him or her self for the care of others.

I write this at 7:30 p.m. on this Saturday which is actually 7:30 a.m. and you are on the bus going to class now with your fellow students.

So have a nice day and thanks for being YOU and for taking care of this little boy Archi who means so much to you. He know that you are special in his own little heart.

This is my reflection for this evening.
your brother,
Frank