-Pope John Paul II. Rome, 1999.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.
-Galatians 6:10
Smokey Mountain is probably the most popular dumpsite in the country. Being a poor-dominated entity in the world, it wouldn't surprise us with the number of scavengers busting their ways in the stench to draw some "Food" to fill their stomach.
Once I haven't really eaten both dinner and breakfast (the next day). I felt really really weak. I felt so hungry that I think I could eat a meal that can be shared by two. About the same time last year, I watched a news magazine from GMA about the lives of the poor living in Smokey Mountain. The documentary set forth a sight that revealed so many families living on a dollar a day income (41Php). I saw a family of six sharing a can of sardines and two cups of rice for their lunch... It is in fact their only meal for the day. No food nor water for breakfast and dinner.
How can life get any worse than that?
In one instance the reporter interviewed a weeping father... "Bakit po kayo umiiyak? (why are you crying)" asked the reporter. "Naaawa lang ako sa pamilya ko. Wala pa silang nakakain magmula kahapon (I pity my family. They haven't eaten anything since yesterday)." Answered the father. "Hindi ko na nga alam ano gagawin ko eh (I just don't know what to do anymore)." He added.
Each day of their lives they had to climb the stinking pile of trash, putting their health on the line in exchange for life. Hoping they could find "Food" from our leftovers and rejects. This is the kind of life they had. At a time in their lives, when God finds that the time has come for Him to bring these people to His place, He would relieve them from pain... either death by illness, or death by hunger.
It's pretty saddening that we, who had a good taste of life, fail to see the world in the eyes of the poor. We craved gadgets, perfumes, make-ups, clothes and all other expensive vices because we had more than enough to survive. We had more than enough to survive that we can shed a handful of cash for our beautification. These people, on the other hand, had to fight for survival everyday to keep them alive... have we really thought of them as brothers? Are we actually "doing something" to help those who needs us, or are we simply "Managing" to live with it?
When I was reading this quote by the late Pope earlier today, I really felt the blessing I had now in my life. I find that everything is a blessing from God if we try to see these things in His eyes. He gave us the poor so that we will have an opportunity to do good. The poor is God's gift to us... Just that it is up to us to make good use of this gift.
In my stay here in Minneapolis, I think the best use I had with my 100 dollar bill, was when I donated it to the Basilica of St. Mary. It was a large amount of money... I'll be honest that I think(ed) twice before I actually slipped it inside the envelope (I took a picture of it).
But then I realized that the poor needs it more than I do. I think that was the opportunity God gave me to do good to others. that $100 I donated could essentially feed a family who lives in a dollar a day budget a hundred days already.
When I sell raffle tickets in the office/school, it is never for my sake. I do this in the effort to feed the hungry. I could spend my money to buy all the tickets, but in all honesty, I wanted to give my friends the opportunity to do good. To make them feel that because of them, they are able to serve a meal for the hungry.
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
-Deuteronomy 15:11
I believe that you will definitely find that pleasure in your life if you knew that because of you, a life has been saved. How great is it to have someone say to you: "Thank you... thank you for saving my life?" It's Priceless. In your small contribution to your brothers, you actually have become a Hero!
It is a collective effort to share our blessing to one another. By sharing your blessings, you open room so that you can receive greater blessings.
I think there is no greater feeling than when you reunite with Jesus in heaven, he would run to you and wrap his arms around you saying, "Thank you... for feeding my children."
"Thank you, for feeding me when I needed something to eat."
Whatever you did for one of the least of your brothers, you do it to Jesus.
-Matthew 25:40
Grace and Peace be with you.
AMEN!