July 25, 2007

“Let love be sincere ...Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom. 12: 9, 15)

Recently, as I was leaving the convent to visit a woman in the hospital, I saw a man sitting on our front steps. I quickly recognized “John;” he comes often to our door to say a prayer and to donate a handful of change for the homeless. John is a simple and beautiful soul. As I hadn’t seen him in a while, he gave me a hearty “hello” and thought for a moment to remember my name. Then he took care to learn the name of the Sister who was with me. After this cheerful exchange, we went our way. As we walked up the street, I remarked to my Sister, “John is so good at learning and remembering our names.”

We returned quickly to the convent, after finding the patient asleep. John was still sitting on the steps. He was surprised to see us back so soon, so we explained where we had been and why we couldn’t visit with our friend. “I’ll say a prayer for her,” John immediately responded. Then he added, with real concern, “She’s going to get better, right?”

“I hope so. Pray for her,” I answered, touched both by his concern for this woman he didn’t even know and for his effort to remember our names, and grateful for his prayers. Here was a poor man sharing of his wealth generously—the true wealth of charity. How often we simply need a listening ear, sincere interest, and real compassion. John showed this in a way he probably doesn’t even realize, but that I will never forget.

Rich or poor, healthy or sick, at work, home, or in the convent, we always have one thing we can give to our brothers and sisters around us: an open heart, sincere love. It usually takes little more than a smile or a listening ear, though at times it may cost us our time or our plans. Yet, taking a few minutes to show interest in another, to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep,” as Saint Paul says, could well make a difference in his or her life. Neither will you walk away empty-hearted from showing love to a brother or sister, for the Lord promises: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Mt. 5:7) Therefore, in small and great ways, let us love one another!

Sr. Cecilia Francis Jesse, CFR

Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent, Bronx, NY

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