Yes indeed Fr. John. I never knew third world poverty until I went to Manila in the Philippines. I took a cab and asked to go to some of the poorest areas in the city. The driver said that he would only go because I was wearing clerics at the time. He said that they offered protection. I had found the land of the have's and have not's. It was perplexing to see such great poverty in the middle of great affluence. Children would come up and kiss my hand because they knew who I represented. Thugs would just pass by. and beggars would always approach. You dared not offer any aid or you would start a riot because you just didn't have enough to give. It was in those moments that I started to understand the power of the Catholic church. I didn't know it at the time but I would soon become a convert.
Great homily Father! Thanks for sharing. Deacon Pat
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words
DeleteKind of rings very true to someone who has been deployed.. Why complain on the "petty" things.
ReplyDeleteJosh, thanks for your service for our country!
DeleteYes indeed Fr. John. I never knew third world poverty until I went to Manila in the Philippines. I took a cab and asked to go to some of the poorest areas in the city. The driver said that he would only go because I was wearing clerics at the time. He said that they offered protection. I had found the land of the have's and have not's. It was perplexing to see such great poverty in the middle of great affluence. Children would come up and kiss my hand because they knew who I represented. Thugs would just pass by. and beggars would always approach. You dared not offer any aid or you would start a riot because you just didn't have enough to give. It was in those moments that I started to understand the power of the Catholic church. I didn't know it at the time but I would soon become a convert.
ReplyDeleteCatholicSeymour
Great homily. Will definitely try to meet the Pope's challenge.
ReplyDelete