Fellowship of St. Silas

November 2012

"So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

(Psalms 90:12)

Dear Friends,

Recently, I was invited to a homeless breakfast which was served at a local park. When I first arrived there was only a couple of homeless people and I wondered where the whole group was. I was told that 15 to 20 usually attend. Within a very short span of time the area had 15 homeless people who came for a short devotional and breakfast.

What really broke my heart was the daughter of one of the homeless men. His daughter lived next to the highway in a homeless camp ground. I did not probe the young lady with questions, I simply listened to her story. It seems that she has lived on the streets for quite a long time. My heart was pierced with her situation. How, I wondered, could a young 16 year old endure the stress of living on the streets? I never heard her complain or say why she was out on the streets, only that she was thankful for a hot breakfast.

During this season of renewal (Advent) may we always be mindful of the poor. Our Lord said in Matthew 25: 44-46:

"Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?

Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’"

Please pray for the homeless, poor and those in prison. This is part of the Gospel of life which we Christians are encouraged to help.