“I did not have to look very far to find the hungry, thirsty, or imprisoned”
Dennis Lipski
I have always been struck by this line from Matthew 25:44: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’
I have learned to see Jesus in many who are sick, or imprisoned. And I feed them, bringing them the Holy Eucharist or ‘our Daily Bread’.
I visit the homebound, those who can’t get to church due to age or physical limitations. The homebound live in personal homes, assisted living centers (nursing homes or convalescent homes), or correctional facilities. At some assisted living centers, we gather together in groups, have a Rosary service and a communion service. Sometimes I visit each person in their room, usually with a group for about an hour.
I did not have to look very far to find the hungry, thirsty, or imprisoned. They are now my friends; the hungry now fed; the imprisoned may still be bodily imprisoned but are now free in mind and soul.
I bring communion to each person I visit, say a prayer together, and talk to them for a while, telling them about the readings from Mass. Then we talk about what is going on with them. They tell me about their children, grandchildren, or plans that they may have. It’s a highlight of my day when I knock on a door and see their faces, and they say ‘thank you, for coming today.’