Patron of border crossers.
.
On my way to mail some letters the other day, I noticed a 'pilgrim' with a nap sack, looking very disheveled, sitting on a park bench, overlooking the wetland across from the post office. I mailed my stuff and drove on to the store. Suddenly I realized that this man was most likely homeless, so I immediately turned around, drove back to give him some money. He noticed me as I got out of the car, and seemed to tighten up a bit, as if afraid. "How could he be fearful of me?" I said to myself as I approached him.
.
I greeted him and asked, "Are you homeless?" Noticing that he looked Mexican, I knew that to be the case by how big his knapsack was.
.
"No. No." He answered, smiling nervously.
.
"Are you sure? I'd like to help you out if you would let me." Reaching for my wallet, "I can give you some money for food at least."
.
"No! No, no, no! I'm okay." He insisted.
.
I apologised and wished him well as I backed away, feeling foolish that I had embarrassed him - I should have just given him my cash. As I drove off, I realized he was most likely an illegal immigrant and was fearful that I was an agent, or that I would turn him in. I felt really stupid.
.
If he only knew I just wanted to help him.
.
Thankfully one saint does seem to help such people, and his name is St. Turibio Romo Gonzalez, a Mexican Martyr. He is known to come to the aid of the immigrants and border crossers.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment