After my encounter with the angel Christopher last week, I had another opportunity to interact with the saintly this weekend past. I got to serve dinner at the Sister Mary Rose house in Florence KY. From 4 until 6 pm on Saturdays, hot meals (with seconds and thirds) are offered to anyone who needs one. I don’t know what I was expecting. I was trying not to expect anything per se, but what I found nearly broke my heart again. Can you imagine your grandmother having to eat in a mission, because it helps stretch her budget, and, it gives her an opportunity to enjoy a conversation? Your grandmother. Can you imagine young working families who come here to make sure their kids are getting enough to eat, because jobs are scarce and money is tight, and at least this one night, their kids will get some hot soup  and cold milk? These were not homeless people. They are about a half a step up. They have a place to sleep, but often times have to choose between eating and medicine. Between eating and utilities. Where have I been?
In the next couple of weeks I will be investigating this area to see what I can do to get engaged and help. I’d say make a difference, but frankly I think this problem is larger than any of us can possibly imagine. We are looking at the tippy toppest point of the iceberg. How does this happen in a country like ours. Did we fail as citizens, or, did we fail because we listened when our government leaders said, “hey, we got this”. What really irritates me about myself, is that it took this long to even notice. It’s not like the signs aren’t all around us. And you know, people need help all year round, not just at Christmas. Today I want to encourage us all to think about a couple of things. Where can we take used coats, and good used blankets to help those who truly need them? Where is the nearest soup kitchen where we can get involved to be blessed by the angels who eat at these places? I’ll be working to compile a list of opportunities around the Northern Kentucky area, and I hope those of you reading at a distance can find some place close to you to pitch in. I have been blind for so long to the suffering all around me. May God forgive me.

Thanks for listening.