These days I was thinking about paths. A few days ago, I had a very interesting moment at work, I was in San Bernardino organizing a breakfast to offer to some people that come to the project to get food every week, many of them live on the streets; these days it has been raining a lot, and it is very cold. So, while I was opening the church and waiting for them to use the space (hall, bathrooms) as I do every Friday, I felt like making this coffee and cookies to offer to these people. That’s when I met Francisco, better known as Paco, who lives in a place that nobody would like to live, his condition is extremely miserable, and he confided in me a serious health problem. After a while of conversation, prayer and sharing God’s love for him, I heard a very important word that can move mountains. He told me “I want to get off the street”, a phrase as simple as it is obvious, but very profound. And it reminded me of when Jesus, the Way, met with these people and always asked a direct question: “What do you want me to do for you?” Some would answer I want to see, I want to walk, I want to be healed, I want to be forgiven, I want to be saved. And the fact that these people said “I want” made the miracle happen, Jesus always performed the miracle by listening to what each person wanted and understood to be their greatest need. Jesus’ role was to work the miracle, being God, and the miracle that we can work is to create possibilities and opportunities for people to follow the Way; a way of light, peace, shelter, hope, welcome, and life.
This makes me reflect on our role as people who identify themselves as Christians, disciples and followers of this Jesus. And what is our position before Francisco and so many other people we meet along the way? What would be your attitude to Jesus’ question and people’s answer?
