"I'm Not a Bum I am a Human Being"

[Jon_S_1]

I wanted to share this video about Ronald Davis, a man who is down and out in Chicago. This video went viral a couple months back, and I linked it within a thread discussing the homeless, but it was brought back to mind this week as we talked about Catholic Social Justice in RCIA and the Dignity of ALL persons.

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Ronald Davis- “I am not a Bum I am a Human Being” youtu.be/0rO0BHSPXQg

…Discuss…

 

[christofirst]

Thanks for posting this. All too often, I look upon the homeless with a dismissive label like, “that bum” or “Homeless Joe”, which often masks my fear of actually encountering these people - being hit up for money, or having to really get involved with them in some meaningful way (even my use of the term “them” shows my discomfort and lack of empathy). I give a little money to homeless shelters and charitable organizations occasionally to ease my conscience, but I know this not enough. Our need to genuinely care for all human beings, especially the downtrodden and most vulnerable, is something our Holy Father Francis is emphasizing now as well, so this video is a good reminder.

 

[Mikeydell]

If you see a homeless person - “bum” approaching you and you know that you can’t help just be honest with them and say a prayer for them…yes, say a prayer for them! However, if you can help then tell the person (please do not lecture) that you’d be happy to secure them food or some item of clothing (within reason of course) that they may need. If they are sincere they will take you up on your offer, if not you will know it.

You’d be surprised at how many “bums” are taken aback by an offer of food or an item they might need. Hey, you might even make a new and real friend!

Do not be dismayed if you don’t get a thank you, just know that the kindness you bestowed was appreciated both here and ‘upstairs’!

It’s not too hard to be Christian in this day and age when you really think about it!

Mike

 

[Least]

Could use some help here too. Happy to help (nearly anyone, for any reason), and I do it for the only reason possible [which is, I believe, the same for anyone] and that is, because it makes me feel good (there are no truly-beneficent acts conducted by Man [except JESUS], you do things because they make you feel good, and avoid that which does not).

Not happy to help anyone “live” on the street. Not thrilled with the prospect of accepting it as a lifestyle or tolerating the faintest whiff of a threat from those who partake of it, or support it.

Not thrilled with the prospect of helping those who have turned begging into a six-figure career (you can get there quickly if you don’t pay taxes).

What to do?

 

[Jon_S_1]

“Let us ask the Lord to give us the gentleness to look upon the poor with understanding and love, devoid of human calculation and fear.” — Pope Francis