Grace is a Gift, it is not Given for Innocence nor Withheld for Sin

from
The Cloud of Unknowing

If you ask me just precisely how one is to go about doing the contemplative work of love, I am at a complete loss. All I can say is I pray that Almighty God in his great goodness and kindness will teach you himself. For in all honesty I must admit I do not know. And no wonder, it is a divine activity, and God will do it in whomever he chooses. No one can earn it. Paradoxical as it may seem, it would not ever occur to a person - no, nor to an angel or saint - to desire contemplative love were it not already alive within him. I believe too, that our Lord deliberately chooses to work in those who have been habitual sinners rather than in those who, by comparison, have never grieved him at all. Yes, he seems to do this very often. For I think he wants us to realize that he is all-merciful and almighty, and that he is perfectly free to work as he pleases, where he pleases, and when he pleases.

Yet he does not give his grace nor work this work in a person who has no aptitude for it. But a person lacking the capacity to receive his grace could never gain it through his own efforts either. No one at all, neither sinner nor innocent, can do so. For this grace is a gift, and it is not given for innocence nor withheld for sin.

The Cloud of Unknowing was written in Middle English by an unknown mystic of the fourteenth century.
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Consumed by Burning Charity

Pier Giorgio Frassati, [See “Saint GQ” Thursday, January 14, 2010] just before receiving his university degree contracted polio, which doctors later speculated he caught from the sick whom he tended. Neglecting his own health because his grandmother was dying, he died after six days of terrible suffering on July 4, 1925 at the age of 24. His last concern was for the poor. On the eve of his death, with a paralyzed hand, he scribbled a message for a friend remembering the injections for Converso, a poor man he had been assisting.

His funeral was a triumph: the streets of the city were lined with a multitude of mourners, unknown to his family -- the poor and the needy whom he had served so unselfishly for seven years. Many of these poor people, in turn, had been surprised to learn that the saintly young man they knew was the heir of the Frassati family fortune.

As we remember Pier Giorgio, may the inspiration of his words and example live on in our own lives today . . .

"Jesus comes to me every morning in Holy Communion: I repay him in my very small way by visiting the poor".

"Seeing daily the faith with which families often bear the most atrocious sufferings, their constant sacrifices, and that they do all this for the love of God often makes us ask why I, who have so many things from God, have always been so neglectful, so bad, while they, who have not been privileged like me are infinitely better than me?"

"We have the duty of putting our [good] health at the service of those who do not posses it. To act otherwise would be to betray the gift of God."

One of his favorite ministries was the Cottolengo Hospital (a medical facility for the physically and mentally handicapped). He would wander thorough the corridors with a secure and steady spirit of charity consoling the wretched. He would stop to talk to each patient as though they were really his brothers. He would bring them money, candy and clothes and would never forget to kiss them with warm affection as though they were the closest of friends, not even stopping to think of the possible risk of infection or having any hint of human repulsion.

Amazed, people saw this young man drag hand carts through the streets of Turin filled with household goods of the poor who were looking for a home. He would enter the most squalid houses and give all the money he had so that he did not have enough money to take the bus home.

Pier Giorgio Frassati was declared “Blessed” by John Paul II who said of him, “[He was] passionately eager to serve brothers and consumed by burning charity which led him to approach, in order of absolute precedence, the poor and the sick.” John Paul II-Turin, April 15,1980
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The next StreetReach days helping the homeless living on our very own American streets are coming this weekend. Please partner with us to sponsor water ($20), van insurance ($50), Bibles ($75), and there is an urgent need for van upkeep. Donate at: http://www.servantsofthefather.org/donation_homeless or post checks to - Servants of the Father of Mercy, Inc., P.O. Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

All Donations are Tax Deductible

The Humiliation of Christ is our Humiliation

The humiliation of Christ – for he was insulted, spat upon and mocked. His humiliation is our humiliation too, if we let it.

The humiliation of Mary – for a mother’s heart that ached as her son was derided and executed as a criminal. Her humiliation is our humiliation too, if we let it.

The humiliation of the homeless – dumpster diving, they are hated, despised, rejected and counted as losers. Their humiliation is our humiliation too, if we let it.

To Christ our saving Hero, we say:

R Lord, hear the cry of our prayer!

You came for the last, the lost, the poor and the least:
- carry the needy to safety. R

You preferred the company of the broken and the outcast:
- heed the lives of the rich and powerful, that they may discover the gift of suffering for your sake.

You saved us from the ravages of evil by taking upon yourself the sins of the world:
- defend those who are abused, abandoned and oppressed.

You gave your life as a ransom for many:
- rescue those who have believed in you, but have died with unforgiveness or hate in their hearts, and now remain homeless, have mercy, Lord.

The Humiliation of Christ

Now, it was the third hour of the day when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: “The King of the Jews.” Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!" In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." [One who was] crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Mark 15:25-32
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What Could You Live Without?

The Power of Half

On Saturday, The New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof reports a story about Kevin Salwen, a writer and entrepreneur in Atlanta, was driving his 14-year-old daughter, Hannah, back from a sleepover in 2006. While waiting at a traffic light, they saw a black Mercedes coupe on one side and a homeless man begging for food on the other.

“Dad, if that man had a less nice car, that man there could have a meal,” Hannah protested. The light changed and they drove on, but Hannah was too young to be reasonable. She pestered her parents about inequity, insisting that she wanted to do something. “What do you want to do?” her mom responded. “Sell our house?”

Warning! Never suggest a grand gesture to an idealistic teenager. Hannah seized upon the idea of selling the luxurious family home and donating half the proceeds to charity, while using the other half to buy a more modest replacement home.

Eventually, that’s what the family did. The project — crazy, impetuous and utterly inspiring — is chronicled in a book by father and daughter scheduled to be published next month: “The Power of Half.” It’s a book that, frankly, I’d be nervous about leaving around where my own teenage kids might find it. An impressionable child reads this, and the next thing you know your whole family is out on the street.

At a time of enormous needs in Haiti and elsewhere, when so many Americans are trying to help Haitians by sending everything from text messages to shoes, the Salwens offer an example of a family that came together to make a difference — for themselves as much as the people they were trying to help.

The Salwens pledged $800,000 to the Hunger Project to sponsor health, microfinancing, food and other programs for about 40 villages in Ghana. They traveled to Ghana with a Hunger Project executive, John Coonrod, who is an inspiration in his own right. Over the years, he and his wife donated so much back from their modest aid-worker salaries that they were among the top Hunger Project donors in New York.

The Salwens also are troubled that some people are reacting negatively to their project, seeing them as sanctimonious showoffs. Or that people are protesting giving to Ghana when there are so many needy Americans.

Still, they have inspired some converts. The people who sold the Salwens their new home were so impressed that they committed $100,000 to the project. And one of Hannah’s closest friends, Blaise, pledged half of her baby-sitting savings to an environmental charity.

In writing the book, the Salwens say, the aim wasn’t actually to get people to sell their houses. They realize that few people are quite that nutty. Rather, the aim was to encourage people to step off the treadmill of accumulation, to define themselves by what they give as well as by what they possess. Said Hannah, “Everyone has too much of something, whether it’s time, talent or treasure. Everyone does have their own half, you just have to find it.”
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The Surefire Way to End Homelessness - Pass it on!

At Homeless In America there is frequent talk here about how in one sense we are all homeless. All of us are beggars and migrants on a pilgrimage home. In that case, the physically homeless living on American streets are important signs, symbols and images of what and who we all are. We need them to show us the truth about ourselves. Saint Augustine said it well about us lost and abandoned humans, “My soul is restless until it rests in Thee.” The psalmist David also expressed it this way, “O God, you are my God, for you I long, for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water” (Psalm 63:1).

If we are parched, destitute and homeless, what does “homefullness” look like? Where is home? Rest assured “homefullness” does not happen here in this lifetime. The apostle John unequivocally tells us that everything here is passing away. In fact, nothing on earth we can call home. John greatly underscores the notion of being perpetually transient when he said, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17)

The good news is that homefullness does exist. Receiving a permanent dwelling place and arriving home happens at some point after the death of a Christian. Jesus refers to our transition from homelessness on earth to homefullness in the next life when he said, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

End homelessness? Let’s begin each with our own self. Homefullness is contingent upon faith in Christ, but not just a mental faith. (“Even the demons believe, and they tremble in terror.” James 2:19) Mental faith won’t save you says the Apostle. Each of us needs to have an active faith filled with . . . forgiveness of one’s enemies (think, The Lord’s Prayer), show mercy daily to others for “Blessed are the merciful, they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7), as well as lots of daily prayer and contrition for one’s sins, failures and shortcomings. So there it is. End homelessness – get faith in action! Get right with God!

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The Pros and Cons of Panhandling, Real Quotes from Real People

Nashville’s, The Tennessean newspaper asked readers what they thought should be done about people who panhandle on the streets. Following are excerpts from their comments . . .

*It bothers me that so many downtowners, especially the newcomers moving in, are so ticked off at those less fortunate than they. When knocking panhandling, these folks are really annoyed by all homeless persons and want them to go away.

*It seems to be the norm today to discriminate, but to blame the homeless for being homeless is the worst kind of bigotry.

*Aren't we all beggars? How many persons do we know today who are asking for all kinds of favors — from their schools, their employers, from the government and others? What do you think all those candidates for political office are doing? They wouldn't get very far without asking for help and money. …

*While these issues must be approached with compassion, giving money to panhandlers is not the needed solution. While money donated to worthy charities or social services is applied directly to helping people, money given to panhandlers is usually spent on alcohol or drugs and simply enables these people to continue bad behaviors.

*Panhandlers tend to congregate where their behaviors are rewarded and avoid areas where they receive no handouts. G. G., downtown businessman.

*Some people just don't want to support themselves or their addictions, so they tend to rely on other people for their support, thinking that the world owes them something.

*Anyone caught panhandling anywhere should be written a citation and have to appear in court and possibly be brought up on charges. I think that would decrease the panhandling. O. H.

*Panhandling is not a Nashville thing. It's a national thing. It's everywhere. What to do about it? Your guess is as good as mine.

*Me personally, if I can give, I do. If I can't, I don't. Some people lose more change in their couch. What's a little change? S. P.

*Normally, I have a "no-cash" policy. If the person asking for help says he needs a few dollars for a meal, I have offered to walk over to Wendy's or the nearest restaurant to order something for that person. I have bought bus fare for people, too.
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Escape a Chatty Society to Find Love in the Silence

By Henri Nouwen

One of the main problems is that in this chatty society silence has become a fearful thing. For most people silence creates itchiness and nervousness. Many experience silence not as full and rich, but empty and hollow. For them silence is like a gaping abyss which can swallow them up. As soon as a minister says during a worship service, “Let us be silent for a few moments,” people tend to become restless and preoccupied with only one thought: “When will this be over?” Imposed silence often creates hostility and resentment. Many ministers who have experimented with silence in their services have soon found out that silence can be more demonic than divine and have quickly picked up the signals that we’re saying: “Please keep talking.” It is quite understandable that most forms of ministry avoid silence precisely so as to ward off the anxiety it provokes.

But isn’t the purpose of all ministry to reveal that God is not a God of fear but a God of love? And couldn’t this be accomplished by gently and carefully converting the empty silence into a full silence, the anxious silence into a peaceful silence, and the restless silence into a restful silence, so that in this converted silence a real encounter with the loving Father could take place? What a power our word would have if it could enable people to befriend their silence! (Henri Nouwen, The Way of the Heart, New York: Ballantine Books,1981, pp. 52-53.)
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The Movers & Shakers of the Financial Community Trading Places in New York

The New York City Rescue Mission on 9/11

On that terrible day, September 11, 2001, the New York City Rescue Mission's executive director Jim VarnHagen and his wife, Anita, were in their car at the entrance to the Holland Tunnel when the planes hit the World Trade Center. Everything was immediately shut down and traffic was rerouted back into New Jersey. VarnHagen called the Rescue Mission on his cell phone and said to print up handbills announcing that the mission was open to help anyone that needed it. They immediately posted the notices on buildings and lamp posts as near to the World Trade Center as possible. Hundreds of men and women came, many without shoes, clothing ripped from their backs and covered with white dust.

What was remarkable about the event was the role reversal. Instead of the rich and powerful ministering to the homeless, it was the poor broken residents of the New York City Rescue Mission that printed up and posted the handbills. Then, when the victims streamed in, many of them movers and shakers in the financial community this group of humble, homeless men got them into hot showers, clothed them, fed them, prayed with them and hugged them. "No one rejected prayer that day," said VarnHagen.
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Full of Hot Air Instead of Solid Understanding?

By Saint Augustine

Confess your infirmity, lie there patiently in the presence of the doctor. When you have caught hold of his humility, you start rising up with him. Not as he has to rise, insofar as he is the Word; but it's you, rather, who do so, so that he may be grasped by you more and more. At first your understanding was very shaky and hesitant; later you come to understand with greater certainty and clarity. It's not he who is growing, but you who are making progress, and it's as though he seems to be rising up with you. That's how it is, brothers and sisters. Trust God's instructions, and carry them out, and he will give muscle to your understanding. Don't be presumptuous, and as it were, give knowledge prioirty over God's instructions, or you will remain full of hot air, instead of solid understanding.

Think of a tree; it first seeks out the lowest level, in order to grow upward; it fixes its roots in the lowly soil, in order to stretch out its topmost branches to the sky. Can it reach upward from anywhere except its humble roots? You, though, wish to comprehend the heights without charity; you are challenging the winds without roots. That's the way to come crashing down, not to grow. With Christ dwelling in your hearts through faith, be rooted and grounded in love, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

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Small but Mighty!

The Servants of the Father of Mercy, an Association within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has a little 4-cylinder 2008 KIA Rondo van that just turned 65,000. It may be small, but it's mighty! It has served approximately 10,000 homeless persons in its two years driving under the bridges, alleyways and streets of So Cal. Now it needs TLC to keep it safe, operating and serving another 10,000 homeless. Please join the "$800 team" needed to overhaul the brakes, full tune-up, radiator flush and more. With your support, however great or small - this little van that serves up mighty amounts of food, water, clothing, Bibles and spiritual supplies . . .

Will keep doing this . . .

Help at http://www.servantsofthefather.org/donation_homeless or by posting checks to Servants of the Father of Mercy, P.O. Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042. Thank you for the compassion and hope you give to the nearly 74,000 homeless men, women, teens and children we serve. All donations are tax deductible.
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Sometimes Referred to as "Saint GQ" Blessed Pier Giorgio is also the "Saint of the Poor"

Those who think of saints as shy and reclusive people who disdain this life while pining for the next world will be surprised by Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (photo).

Frassati was a friend to the poor, in whom he saw Christ. And today’s laity, especially young people, who are looking for a role model, find someone to identify with in this strapping young outdoorsman who combined political activism and work for social justice, who lived his short life “to the full”.

Pier Giorgio was born in Turin, Italy on April 6, 1901. His mother, Adelaide Ametis, was a painter. His father Alfredo, an agnostic, was the founder and editor-in-chief of the liberal newspaper “La Stampa”, and was influential in Italian politics as a Senator and as well as Ambassador to Germany.

Pier Giorgio developed a deep spiritual life which he never hesitated to share with his friends. The Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin were the two poles of his world and spiritual life. At the age of 17, in 1918, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society and dedicated much of his spare time to serving the sick and the needy, caring for orphans and demobilized servicemen returning from World War I. He decided to become a mining engineer studying at the Royal Polytechnic University of Turin, so he could “serve Christ better among the miners”, as he told a friend.

What little he did have, Pier Giorgio gave to help the poor; even using his bus fare for charity and often running home to be on time for meals. The poor who were without God and those who were suffering were his masters; he was literally their servant, and he considered this a privilege. This charity did not involve just giving something to others but giving of himself completely, a self-giving that was nourished by daily Communion with Christ in the Holy Eucharist and by frequent nocturnal adoration, by recitation of the Rosary, by meditation on St. Paul’s “Hymn on Charity” (I Cor 13). He often sacrificed vacations at the Frassati summer home in Pollone because “If everybody leaves Turin, who will take care of the poor?”

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The next StreetReach days helping the homeless living on our very own American streets are coming the last weekend of January. Please partner with us to sponsor water ($20), van insurance ($50), Bibles ($75), and there is an urgent need for van upkeep - $100. Donate at: http://www.servantsofthefather.org/donation_homeless or post checks to - Servants of the Father of Mercy, Inc., P.O. Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

All Donations are Tax Deductible

Henry

Reporter, Jamie Griswold from MyNorthwest.com reports colorful murals are taking the place of graffiti in several neighborhoods around Seattle. Artist Ryan Henry Ward, "Henry," as indicated on his paintings, has set out to complete fifty murals in and around Seattle.

After an injury several months ago Ward decided to move away from his landscaping business and dedicate himself full time to his art. He's pleased that his art's proving to satisfy his needs. "I've been out of work now for about a year, and I've just been doing my art and trying to make a living. And I think I did it."

Of course, the means Ward requires to support his lifestyle is less than most. "I'm not the kind of person that's, you know . . . in this for the money. I live in my van, I'm homeless . . ."

Seattle isn't the only town showcasing Ward's art. "I went down to the Dominican Republic last year with a group...and I painted four murals in two impoverished neighborhoods."

Ward has no shortage of orders for his current outdoor works which he's offering free of charge while working toward his goal. "I've got some big projects coming up the next few weeks. They're going to keep coming. I think I should be done with fifty . . ."

Once Ward covers the bare walls in Seattle, he has ambitions of taking his efforts global. "I kind of wanted to travel around the world painting murals, film a documentary, and raise awareness on global issues like poverty."

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Human Beings Like Power

"You see, I believe that we are all very broken in our capacity to relate. Human beings like power and to be admired and to be brilliant. When you start living with people with disabilities, you begin to discover a whole lot of things about yourself. Some are easy to live with, but others can make you climb the wall. Others can make you touch your own brokenness, your own poverty, your own violence and so on. I have lived experiences when I have sensed incredible violence inside of myself. Maybe being in community I didn't hurt anyone, but I discovered who I was. I discovered also that the truth will set me free, and so there's the gradual realization about what it means to be human. To be human is that capacity to love which is the phenomenal reality that we can give life to people; we can transform people by our attentiveness, by our love, and they can transform us. It is a whole question of giving life and receiving life, but also to discover how broken we are." Jean Vanier

Acclaimed as the 'Canadian who inspires the world' (Maclean's Magazine) and 'Nation Builder of the Year' (The Globe and Mail, 2008), Jean Vanier is the founder of the international movement of L'Arche communities, where people who have developmental disabilities and the friends who assist them create homes and share life together. Jean Vanier has become a leader in consciousness-raising about the suffering of all who are marginalised. He is internationally recognised for his compelling vision of what it means to live a fully human life and for his social and spiritual leadership in building a compassionate society. He has written a number of best selling books. He resides in the original L'Arche community in France, when he is not travelling and speaking.

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Our Daily Lives must Manifest Him in Whom we have Believed

Jesus is the fulfillment, the embodiment of good news to the poor. Stunningly enough, He says it in His own words . . .

[Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:16-21

If we believe that Jesus Christ came as a poor child, homeless, in a barn and then fleeing to Egypt as a refugee, then we in turn must love the poor, the homeless and the migrant around us. Our daily lives must manifest Him in whom we have believed.

Psalm 146

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

The Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,

The LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the migrant
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
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The next StreetReach days helping the homeless living on our very own American streets are coming the last weekend of January. Please partner with us to sponsor water ($20), van insurance ($50), Bibles ($75), and there is an urgent need for van upkeep - $100. Donate at: http://www.servantsofthefather.org/donation_homeless or post checks to - Servants of the Father of Mercy, Inc., P.O. Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

All Donations are Tax Deductible

Sick and Tired!

On Monday, January 2nd, the Ventura County Star reports on the reality that ailing homeless – those being released from hospitals, clinics and urgent care have few places to turn for help. In Ventura, the Rescue Mission is about their only option. Historically, the Mission has taken in those being treated for broken limbs, heart, liver, kidney and psychiatric ailments.

The life of an ailing homeless person is consumed with trying to recover from a severe illness while making the rounds to missions and soup kitchens to maintain nourishment and hydration. In most cases, this is almost and impossible task.

One individual has moved to sunny So Cal’s Ventura County some weeks ago after having slept outside in a Minnesota snow storm. His toes were amputated because of frost burn and now he finds it difficult to walk due to continuous problems with his feet.
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The next StreetReach days helping the homeless living on our very own American streets are coming the last weekend of January. Please partner with us to sponsor water ($20), van insurance ($50), Bibles ($75), and there is an urgent need for van upkeep - $100. Donate at: http://www.servantsofthefather.org/donation_homeless or post checks to - Servants of the Father of Mercy, Inc., P.O. Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

All Donations are Tax Deductible

Our Personal Poverty

"We cannot be compassionate unless we are aware of our own shortcomings - our poverty. We cannot enter into the suffering of another if we have not accepted our own suffering and the fact that we too are on the road to death. This is the reality of our common creatureliness and dependence. Only when we discover that God forgives our sin and rebellion can we begin to forgive the sin and rebellion of others. If we remain unaware of our sinfulness and therefore unaware of the mercy of God, we are in danger of going to the poor as a 'have' doing good to the 'have nots'. The recipient of our 'generosity' may be grateful for any help and advice, but will not feel that he or she has been deeply understood. We cannot approach the suffering of others unless we have suffered ourselves." Excerpt from 'A Door of Hope' by Jean Vanier

Acclaimed as the 'Canadian who inspires the world' (Maclean's Magazine) and 'Nation Builder of the Year' (The Globe and Mail, 2008), Jean Vanier is the founder of the international movement of L'Arche communities, where people who have developmental disabilities and the friends who assist them create homes and share life together. Jean Vanier has become a leader in consciousness-raising about the suffering of all who are marginalised. He is internationally recognised for his compelling vision of what it means to live a fully human life and for his social and spiritual leadership in building a compassionate society. He has written a number of best selling books. He resides in the original L'Arche community in France, when he is not travelling and speaking. A spokesperson for all who are marginalised, Jean Vanier has received many humanitarian awards.
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In Order to be of Service to Others we have to Die to Them

By Henri Nouwen

If you would ask the Desert Fathers why solitude gives birth to compassion they would say “because it makes us die to our neighbor.” At first, this answer seem quite disturbing to a modern mind. But when we give it a closer look we can see that in order to be of service to others we have to die to them; that is we have to give up measuring our meaning and value with the yardstick of others. To die to our neighbors means to stop judging them, to stop evaluating them and thus become free to be compassionate. Compassion can never coexist with judgment . . . (The Way of the Heart, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Ballantine Books, New York, 1981, pg. 25.)
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The next StreetReach days helping the homeless living on our very own American streets are coming the last weekend of January. Please partner with us to sponsor water ($20), van insurance ($50), Bibles ($75), and there is an urgent need for van upkeep - $100. Donate at: http://www.servantsofthefather.org/donation_homeless or post checks to - Servants of the Father of Mercy, Inc., P.O. Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

All Donations are Tax Deductible

From Christmas Cookies to Clothing - Some So Cal Homeless got it all!

In today's blog, the pictures speak for themselves, but there is a brief "commercial" announcement! Many thanks to the teens at St. Joseph's in Carpinteria who on Youth Night made more than 100 hand-crafted Holiday cards that were delivered to the homeless today. Much appreciation goes to Jackie from Saint Mary Magdalen parish in Camarillo, a mom who made 100s of holiday cookies and organized decorating them by the teens for the homeless at a festive Christmastime Youth Night at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Paula. More than 1,000 pieces of clean - fresh clothing made their way to the homeless today because of the generosity and concerted effort of the pastors, administrators and parishioners of Saint Sebastian's in Santa Paula, Sacred Heart in Ventura and Corpus Christi in Pacific Palisades.

Fresh-picked oranges were a welcomed sight too! They were brought all the way to the streets and alleyways because of the the kindness of the Sunkist packing house in Fillmore. Not to mention the ultimate comfort food, the International Bible Society "Story of God" Gospel of John booklets sponsored in each sack lunch by Charlie of Saint Paul the Apostle parish in Westwood. Last but not least, Noah's Bagels of Ventura consistently donates each week 100s of fresh-made gourmet bagels to the homeless we serve. Henry and Angela and family from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Paula made more than 200 PBJs as part of their New Years Day labor of love for today's delivery. Thanks to YLI Santa Paula and the many others who sponsored a giveaway of Christmas Cookies and SUBWAY FOOTLONG gift cards in Ventura last week. Many thanks to Rosie and Tom from St. Vincent de Paul for the many lunch bag snacks and "stuffers" that were provided for this Homeless In America StreetReach.

Pray for "Homeless Mike" who lives under one of the bridges for years and was MIA and said to be in an area hospital today. Pray for "Homeless Greg" who has lived on the same stretch of pavement for more than a decade and for want of nothing, yet suffers greatly. Many thanks to today's StreetReach team for all their dedication and hard work - Henry, Angela, Frances, Jenny, Melanie and Ezequiel.

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The next StreetReach days helping the homeless living on our very own American streets are coming very soon, the last weekend of January in fact. Please partner with us today to sponsor cases of water ($20), van insurance ($50), Bibles ($75), and we are in urgent need of van upkeep sponsors - $100. Donate at: http://www.servantsofthefather.org/donation_homeless or post checks to - Servants of the Father of Mercy, Inc., P.O. Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

All Donations are Tax Deductible