The Have's and the Have Not's

In preparing for Thanksgiving, our daily reflection today centers on the diversity of economic levels within our own school communities. The range goes from those for whom money is no object, lunches are plentiful, and the waste from their plates embarrassing, to those who have been "hiding" during lunch in studies or libraries "doing research" because they have no lunch and are ashamed to let other students know, or to ask to be part of a lunch program that will give them at least something. Happily, thanks to the generosity of a few donors, we at Central Catholic are able to distribute an average of 37 lunches per day, a sandwich, bottle of water, and thanks to a kind donor, an occasional snack to go with them. Not much, but better than nothing. The gratitude expressed by these students is overwhelming...not a one who does not offer a daily thank you. And these are the students who are holding down one, two, sometimes three part time jobs to help with household expenses, however, their own lunch not included! These too are the students who realize that the excellent education that is available to them is not to be wasted if they want to move up and spare their children from such an existence. We've seen them go on to college and graduate school and come back to work at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club to help the next generation follow in their footsteps.
Just looking at this puts Thanksgiving in a better perspective. Sometimes the "have's" are missing the wealth that the "have not's" possess and appreciate: the willingness to work hard, the determination take nothing for granted and know that success will be theirs if they believe and work for it, and the sensitivity to be grateful for every gift and opportunity that comes their way. They are growing into fine human beings and citizens and are ripe for a spiritual awakening as well. One of these young men after making our Encounter reflected that he realized that not only is service to the needy a major component of a happy, Christian life, but at the heart of all of this, there must be a "connection to the Lord," which he is now concentrating on developing. No wonder the first beatitude is, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5: 2) and that Jesus, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Marcellin and scores of others, had a special love for the poor. Lord, I am grateful for what I have, open me to receive from others what I do not even know I lack. Amen.
Bro. Rene