by Joan Mitchell, CSJ
In the parable from Luke’s gospel this Sunday, a rich man has no clue a poor man is starving at his gate. They live in separate worlds. Luke frequently emphasizes Jesus’ concern for the poor. Toni Schewe has a creative way of including the poor in her life.
In mid December Toni emails her January calendar to friends, so they can sign up to enjoy her birthday month with her. Friends can sign up for a bowling night, a one-on-one coffee shop stop, an evening of volleyball, a volunteer service night. She connects with college and high school friends, rugby teammates, fellow artists, work colleagues.
Two of my nieces signed up for the service night, which turned out to be making dinner for 45 men who find food and a bed each evening at St. Stephen’s Shelter. At this shelter men who have some kind of job can ask the shelter to save money for them toward rent and a damage deposit for a place of their own.
The shelter encourages wholesome meals. My nieces made hot dishes with hamburger, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, and pasta. Toni made potatoes. A friend presented carrots in a tasty citrus base. A rugby forward and a high school friend laid out the food on a table in the hallway.
The men noticed how much fun these women were having together and wanted to know why they came. One confessed it was part of Toni’s birthday celebration. Before long eight of the men on the way back for seconds and thirds serenaded her with “Happy Birthday.”
- In what creative ways do you include people who are poor in your life?