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Circle of Compassion
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September 22, 2022My Compass Club book club had just finished our monthly selection of Tattoos on the Heart by Father Greg Boyle—a riveting true story of one man’s quest to make a difference in the lives of criminals, convicts and gang members spanning some 800 groups in Los Angeles. His story of compassion and kinship experiences through his Homeboy Industries ministry moved many of us to reevaluate the way we interact and perceive those that are simply not like us. The book written twelve years ago has even stronger relatability for us during a time of great domestic terrorism, violence, judgement and social medial provocation.
I had just finished going to Mass and Adoration on the Thursday following our final gathering the night prior when I proceeded to do some errands and I missed my turn off street to my targeted location. I was frustrated but remained calm and I looked for the nearest turn around spot. I found myself literally passing in front of a homeless man standing in the rain in a very popular shopping center. He was definitely out of place there. This wasn't a street corner. I was not in an impoverished neighborhood. This area was definitely not accustomed to seeing someone begging for food.
I immediately felt chills throughout my body recognizing this as one of those “God winks”. I had literally just left adoration asking God for life direction. My mind and heart were still contemplating the deep conversations from our book club sharing-- focusing on the ways we should embrace the needs of others who are disillusioned, challenged, disenfranchised and not “like us”. This chance encounter with this man simply didn’t feel like a coincidental occurrence.
I turned my car around and reached into my wallet. I rolled down my window and remembered Boyle’s quote: “to go where love has not yet arrived”. I looked into this man’s eyes and he didn’t look homeless—he was clean -shaven and his clothes were not tattered, but he looked so very sad. He struggled to make eye contact with me when I said, “just remember God loves you—be blessed’.
He spoke,“He’s the only one who hasn’t abandoned me yet.”. My heart just sank. I couldn’t believe where God had placed me in that moment to be a voice for this man. I’ve returned to that same spot a few times and the man has not returned. I’ve offered money to homeless before, but never has anyone spoken about God in that way. I felt I was looking into the face of Christ himself. The margins were erased and we were connected-my hand in his, his heart in mine.
So many times, people don’t share what they have because they judge that the money gifted will go to drugs or alcohol. They hold on to their surplus for fear of the unknown. Boyles book reminds us: “Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgment at how they carry it.”
That day I chose to be compassionate, but I still felt like I could have done more. When he spoke to me he opened his woundedness and vulnerability in a way that still unsettles me. My only comfort is knowing that I trusted the Holy Spirit to use me that precise moment on that day to be with that vulnerable man. The Holy Spirit provided the grace he needed to proceed with whatever next steps he needed to take. I felt so privileged to be in a position to help in some small way. I'm so glad I responded.
Sometimes we get rerouted like I did that day for a divine purpose. Staying open, prayerful and seeing the signs along the way clearly has life changing benefits. Your person might just be there waiting for you to bless them in some similar and special way as I was called upon to act. In that God ordained moment—transformation was made possible.
I many never know what I did for him that day—but, most likely it had little to do with my donation of money. I know my stranger felt a kinship to me in that moment. The “circle of compassion” became real to me and hopefully brought peace and healing to his heart. I pray He knew that God wasn't the only one that had not abandoned him through the compassion of a stranger sent to Him.
