Every morning at Hope House we gather in prayer before we
open our doors. We pray for guidance, kindness and compassion and to be able to
see the Christ in each person who comes through our doors. Not many “rules” are
written in stone at Hope House, but the need for understanding that we are
serving the body of Christ is of utmost importance. It is our guiding
principle, and all who work here need to embrace that truth.
Last Sunday at Mass, Father Scott’s homily so perfectly fit
this philosophy that I had to borrow it—hope he doesn’t mind! He told of
standing in front of a class of middle school children and holding up a $20
bill. He asked who would want it, and of course they all raised their hands –
who wouldn’t? It was worth $20, after all! He then tore the bill almost in half
and asked them again—all still wanted it. He crumpled it up into a ball—still they
raised their hands. After rubbing it in the dirt, crumpling it up and stepping
on it, he asked again and they all still wanted it. When he asked why they
still wanted it, the reply was—“it’s still worth $20!”
Of course, it was. So are we still worth everything to God,
even when we are torn and dirty, damaged and crumpled—we are still His
children, each and every one of us. Those of us with bad attitudes, dirty
clothing, addictions, secret vices and anger/hatred in our heart are still His
children and He doesn’t give up on us. During the homily, Father Scott asked us
“Who are you to God?” Surprisingly to
me, a voice in my head immediately said “His beloved” and my eyes filled with
tears. As I am His beloved, so are you and all the people you meet. May we
always remember that we are brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God.
“Each individual person has been created to love and to be loved: Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Christian
– doesn't matter race, doesn't matter religion. Every
single man, woman, child is the child of God, created in the image of God.”
Mother Theresa
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