by Dustin Hertzog, Center Director – FOCUS Minnesota
Last week Larry presented at the Minnesota clothes closet for the first time and expressed the desire to clean up his appearance. While one may have assumed he would be doing so for a job interview, he revealed his intent to turn himself in to law enforcement later that day. Through tears he shared how his family had gotten into trouble and how he planned to face his son in court later that day with the expectation of being imprisoned. He left with a wide smile and expressing deep gratitude.
How ought we as Orthodox Christians respond when faced with such encounters with those in perilous circumstances? Let it not be like the Levite who in the parable of the Good Samaritan looked away from the suffering man as he walked by, but like Christ who looks into and at the suffering man. He is not afraid to touch, look into the eyes, and hold the hand of the one who is in need. For the Lord is the helper of the helpless, the hope of the hopeless, and the Savior to the afflicted.
Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh put it this way saying “Every one of us is in the image of God, and every one of us is like a damaged icon. But if we were given an icon damaged by time, damaged by circumstances, or desecrated by human hatred, we would treat it with reverence, with tenderness, with broken-heartedness. We would not pay attention primarily to the fact that it is damaged, but to the tragedy of its being damaged. We would concentrate on what is left of its beauty, and not on what is lost of its beauty.”
At FOCUS it’s not just about the garments we share. Through the simple act of providing an appropriate outfit we were able to restore some semblance of dignity and offer the small mercy of him choosing his clothes for perhaps the last time in the foreseeable future. Inspired by the command to “Go and Do likewise,” may we continue to seek out what is beautiful and good in all people whom God may place in our paths.
Support neighbors like Larry, consider making a donation to FOCUS Minnesota today.
