Finding Christ in the Poor 

by Joseph Sepulveda

 

Recently, I decided to do something radical. I decided to volunteer at a local rescue mission, packing food and feeding poor people. When I originally volunteered for this project, I thought that I would be the one ministering to others. I never expected to find Christ in a rescue mission. I never imagined that the poor had something to teach me.

Serving the poor at the rescue mission taught me to be aware of the reality of poverty, and the value of being poor. St. Vincent de Paul once said, "Love the poor and we will have sunshine." In other words, once we place ourselves in the poor's status, we will appreciate life more. We will understand that only by living simply or in poverty will we have the light of life: complete trust in God.  

As I helped pack food and serve the poor during meal times, the words "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" echoed in my mind. I realized that only by being humble (letting go of our will and doing God's will) can we draw closer to God, like the poor, who constantly seek meaning in life. 

As I watched the needy eat, I realized that they were not only hungry physically, but they were also spiritually starving. Immediately, I thought about how Mary, our Blessed Mother, feels about the poor, especially after the Wedding of Cana. We know she was distressed for the lack of wine present. In the same way, she would feel distressed for the lack of sufficient food (both physically and spiritually) for the poor. 

We celebrated Easter Sunday a few weeks ago. Before that, we celebrated Palm Sunday, where we heard the people cry out “Hosanna, Hosanna… Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” I meditated on that scene and realized that just as the people cry out in the streets waiting to be embraced by the Savior, so do the poor dying in our streets – waiting to be saved by us, loving servant hands of Christ. They are waiting to be loved because they do not know God’s love. Real food, shelter, and a loving human touch are foreign to them. This is why Christ came; so that all will experience God’s love, especially the poor. 

The more time I spent at the rescue mission, the more I realized the needy were not the only ones in poverty. I was also poor, because I was in need of God’s love. Simplicity was what I lacked. When I thought of my relationships with my family, friends, and even enemies, I realized that sharing God’s love and receiving God’s love were what I took for granted.  

When I think of the poor, I think of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta right away. She is a perfect example of how one who is truly poor (spiritually) should serve the poor. On EWTN, Jonnette Benkovic interviewed Suzan Conroy, a close friend of Mother Teresa. Suzan related a lesson she learned from Mother Teresa on one of her visits to Calcutta. “You did it to me” are the five precious words Christ said to people who desired heaven. These saving words meant that when you serve the poor, we also literally serve Christ. These five words are what Mother Teresa and her community constantly meditate on, since these heavenly words are the summary of the corporeal works of mercy. What a blessing to be in the presence of God while serving the poor! This is how Mother Teresa received strength to participate in Christ’s work in serving the poor: by meditating on the five, precious words “You did it to me.” 

When I was reflecting on these words of Christ, it dawned on me that Christ Himself gave us His true self in the Eucharist, which is His body, blood, soul, and divinity. His true presence echoed deep in my heart the words He said to His apostles: “Do this in my memory.” Five words also! The Holy Eucharist is the joy and strength to energize our service in Christ, especially in ministering to the poor. 

Like Mother Teresa, I too believe in balance when serving the poor. Jesus said: “The poor you will have always, but I will be here for a while.” Christ is in the Eucharist as well as the poor. We need to see Christ in every person, like Mother Teresa did. Moreover, we need to fortify our empty souls by receiving Christ’s radiant love in the Eucharist and adoration so we can share this love with others, especially with the poor. 

Since May is the month of Mary, we must not forget the important role of our Blessed Mother in service to the poor. Mary is “Mother of the Living” and she desires all souls to be closer to her son, Jesus. Mary echoes what Christ has always taught us: to embrace the obedience of faith. Her “yes” is what transformed her life; thus, our reverent yes to serve Christ in our personal calling, especially in service to the poor, will transform our lives as well. 

Our Blessed Mother Mary also shares with us five, precious words, “Do whatever He tells you.” This reinforces Christ’s invitation of “You did it to me.” Our Lady continues to be present in serving the poor. Christ is hungry, thirsty, in need of shelter, etc… Christ always invites us and Mary is encouraging us to embrace the privilege and joy of experiencing heaven on earth! 

When I began volunteering at the rescue mission, I soon realized that I was witnessing Christ in the poor just as much as they encountered Him in me. I felt Christ’s love at the rescue mission, and I came to understand the important role the poor play in the salvation of others. Undoubtedly, serving the poor transformed my soul closer to Christ, which I am very grateful for. I now know the poor do not really need us because we seriously need the poor. In essence, the poor taught me the only real need in life is God's love; everything else is only a want.  

© 2004, Joseph Sepulveda and NextWave Faithful™. All Rights Reserved.  

Joseph Sepulveda is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville with a BA in philosophy. He works with St. Joseph Radio in Orange County, CA, where he’s also actively involved in a young adult group. Joseph is also discerning a vocation to the priesthood.