I’ve sat in judgement of panhandlers for many years.
I’ve labeled them lazy, devious and dangerous. I’ve shunned them. And when asked for money, I’ve replied with my standard “no, thanks” for years.
But all that changed for me earlier this year after reading an interview with Pope Francis from an Italian magazine (Tennis Shoes) on the homeless and marginalized.
What is the pope’s advice for dealing with panhandlers?
Give them the money, and don’t worry about it.
His argument is humbling and persuasive. First, Pope Francis says that giving something to someone in need is “always right.”
Next, he addresses my main reason against giving money: it will only be used for alcohol or drugs.
His answer: If “a glass of wine is the only happiness he has in life, that’s O.K. Instead, ask yourself, what do you do on the sly? What ‘happiness’ do you seek in secret?”
Another way to look at, says the pope, is to recognize you are the “luckier” one with a family, home and food. If you’re in a position to help, ask why your responsibility to help should be pushed onto someone else.
Finally, the pope says the way of giving is as important as the gift itself. Don’t just toss money and walk away, but rather, look the person in the eye and touch a hand or shoulder.
That final act of compassion reminds us that the figure before us is a human being, with a life whose value is equal to our own.
Pope Francis’ practical and personal teachings challenge us to deliver help to those on the margins of our communities, lessons he learned well while walking the poverty-stricken streets of Argentina.
For most of us, a small donation is easy. But it might require a shift in mindset.
While you may disapprove of what the person does with your donation, compassion is the best way to rationalize it. Try giving without worry.
Happy New Year.
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