I first met Roger outside our local grocery store on a blistering hot summer afternoon.
His bare feet were dry and peeling from walking on the scorching pavement. He had half a jug of water next to him and had poured the other half on the plants surrounding the area he frequented. Roger was homeless and for all I knew he had been homeless for most of his life. Sometimes Roger wanted to talk, and other times he simply wanted a meal with soft foods that wouldn’t hurt his failing teeth.
On this particular day, he wanted to talk because someone had given him a bicycle and he was overjoyed. I felt relief flood my heart knowing that he would at least have his bicycle this summer, especially since he refused to wear shoes. I gave him some chocolate and headed home, praying for him and all the other people in our community who decided to truly get to know him and look out for him.
We became his friends and we were certainly blessed that he allowed us into his life.
He was quick to remind me of the goodness on this earth. He was quick to show us what loving others can do and how hearts can change in miraculous ways.
When I think of him, I am reminded of today’s Psalm, “For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full” (Psalm 33:4-5).
On this memorial of Saint Augustine, I am reminded of Saint Monica fervently praying for her beloved son, placing all her hope in the Lord and trusting that one day her precious Augustine would be converted. I think of how her Augustine became one of the greatest Saints.
That is what hope does. Hope reveals to us the goodness of the Lord. Hope reminds us of what the Lord can do when we remember that we are His hands and His feet. I pray that today you see the goodness of the Lord on this earth.
Hope reveals to us the goodness of the Lord. // Leana BowlerClick to tweet
Is there an opportunity right in front of you to help be God's hands and feet today? Don't shy away! Take it and praise Him.
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of five little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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