I would like to share my humbling experiences with the poor.

The Three Elderly Women

Every Sunday I often see these three elderly women who beg outside the church. These three women are often beside each other. One Sunday on the way to mass, I saw the two of them sharing their alms to the oldest woman. I saw it was just coins the two gave. I was so humbled by the scene when I saw it. These poor ladies were being charitable to each other even though they have so very little. I remember the saying “no one is to poor to share.” These ladies showed it to me first hand.

The orphan boy

Another story happened while I was playing with the kids in the orphanage. I was playing with this one child who cannot use his arms or legs. He just lies there in his crib. An orphan boy came to me to open his little jelly candy. I thought he was going to eat it for himself, but I was wrong. After I opened his candy, he came near the boy who cannot use his arms and legs, and he placed the jelly in his mouth. I was so touched by the scene. These kids are just 4 years old below, not to mention they are poor and sick. But this little boy showed unselfishness and love for his fellow orphan. I then remember what Christ said, we cannot enter the kingdom of God unless we become like children. I now understand why.

Both experiences left me humbled. I thought I gave enough. I thought I was a charitable person. These poor have showed me that I am a long way in practicing the virtue of CHARITY. Like many of you, I only give what is excess. There is little sacrifice to the things or money I give to the poor. I like what Mother Teresa says, “Give until it hurts.” I also examined my conscience, being more “well to do” than this poor, have I been really charitable?  Or do I hold money as tight as I can? Have I shared enough to what God gave me? Can I practice the same charity these poor people do? Well I am still examining my conscience. But I hope in the future I could be like this poor people. Sacrificing what little they have to help their fellow men. Then, maybe then I can be as beautiful as them.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.