“The person who gives with a smile is the best giver because God loves a cheerful giver.” – Bl. Mother Teresa
It was 10pm on Good Friday. After a grueling day carrying the cross for three hours down Broadway and then performing a live Stations of the Cross, I assumed our 60 teenage missionaries would be grumpy and less than excited to embark on a midnight run. I was dead wrong.
For three hours these boys and girls joyfully visited with the homeless on the streets of New York. They gave out sandwiches and donated clothing. I was so impressed by their gentleness and sincere concern for these folks living on the fringe of society.
Anna, a woman in her late sixties had the most gentle eyes. They spoke of deep suffering and, at the same time, a calm acceptance and absolute trust in God the Father. Luis, a 15-year old from Westchester, brought her clothing and then joined his hands with her in prayer.
Before saying goodbye to their new friends, our teenagers enthusiastically wrote down their prayer intentions on their arms and hands.
Anna and her companions may be on the periphery of our cities, but they found a home that Good Friday night in the hearts of these teenagers.
