When People Matter

There had been this man, (not sure if he was homeless or lived in a group home) who hung around our church on Sunday mornings bumming a few bucks here and there for his refreshments by directing traffic in the church parking lot. He did not do this very well though.  He also hung around the rectory during the weekdays where he received free sandwiches and cookies.  My husband, when he had cash used to give him a dollar or two…my daughter one time brought her money that she had just gotten for her birthday to give to him.  On one particular day, I was annoyed with him that he was hanging out in front of church on his knees instead of in church where it was warm but I was able to coax him into taking my gloves at least.  He was a little frustrating! I learned this morning of his passing…even though I didn’t know his name.  I learned his name was John Brooks.   Our pastor read in the paper that he had passed and had no family. He called the funeral home and said, “He does have family, it’s his family at Historic Old St. John’s!” So the guy asked him if he wanted to come to say a prayer service and he said, “No, I want you to bring him here so we can have a proper burial mass for him!” There were 35 people in attendance…including choir members. Everyone knew the man but not the name. But I think it is a testimony to how every person matters. They really do try to make that a reality.

Fr. told stories of how he would wait in the parking lot at night until he saw all the lights off and then he would ring the doorbell to alert Fr. B of questionable people hanging out in the parking lot, Fr. added he was never scared because the only one hanging out there was John. Ha!

I think it is lovely that John found a home of sorts at Historic Old St. Johns.  That he knew he would be cared for there.  I remember I had to scold him (I think he scared one of the younger kids or something) and I felt bad but then I thought, no, he doesn’t get special treatment, he is part of this family.  I would have scolded anyone who did what he did!  He always behaved after that. 

People wonder why I go downtown to my church.  They don’t get it.  Well, people like John are why and people like my pastor are the reason why.  There is a generous spirit that rises above all of the junk that goes on in the world and brings me back to the nitty gritty Gospel message of loving God and loving my neighbor.  I am reminded in sometimes uncomfortable terms and unlikely moments that my neighbor takes many forms.  Some I will not like, some I will downright blanch at but that they are my neighbor and they matter just as much as my own family does in the eyes of God. 

RIP Mr. Brooks…you had a purpose in our parish and you will be missed.