While we were in Los Angeles, our Drexel Route team visited an area with a large homeless population to help serve lunch. As soon as we pulled up in the van, we could sense the heaviness. Unfortunately, ICE had raided the area just a few days prior, and now people were afraid to come out of their homes to get food at the St. Francis Center run by the Franciscan Capuchin friars. There were communities of people living in tents among piles of trash on the street. We gently asked the media to refrain from taking pictures, and they immediately understood, sensing the importance of honoring the dignity of those in front of them. The reporters prayed for a few minutes and left knowing that this time was sacred and not to be interrupted.
I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast to where we had been two days prior in one of the wealthiest areas of the United States. I think that is one of the most important and unique aspects of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage...Jesus truly visits everywhere.
Our team divided up tasks, and one of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), Brother Damiano, and I were assigned to stay in the van with Jesus in the mobile Tabernacle in case anyone wanted a chance to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Initially, it seemed that everyone was intent on getting food, resting, or going about their daily business. We didn't want people to feel pressured to pray; instead, we merely invited them.
And then we met a man whom I will call “Michael” (I have withheld Michael’s real name to protect his privacy). Brother Damiano introduced himself, asked Michael what his name was, and asked him if he wanted a chance to pray. Michael replied that he was just here for the food and made his way to the lunch line.
However, after he had finished lunch, Michael returned to the pilgrimage van and asked if he could speak with us. He noted that the fact that Brother Damiano asked his name showed how much he truly cared about him. Michael then said he felt like a person without a country and didn't know his identity. He went on to speak for several minutes about his life. It became clear he had fallen on hard times. He mentioned he had a difficult relationship with his family and that he was about to start trade school for the third time (the previous two times hadn't worked out due to battles with drug addiction). He expressed frustration at his family for not believing in him, but also frustration at himself for not having finished school the previous two times.
At this point, Brother Damiano told Michael that his true identity comes from God and explained that in the box in our van was Jesus himself. He shared with Michael that Catholics believe Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity under the appearance of bread and wine.
I asked Michael if he wanted us to pray with him, and he said it wasn't for him. Figuring that he would soon be on his way, I shared with Michael that even Jesus fell three times while carrying his cross and that God believes in him as he begins trade school for a third time. I told him not to give up because God had not given up on him.
At that point, Michael began to cry. He shared more that was on his heart with us. And then after a while, he put his arms out and said I'm ready for prayer. Somewhat shocked, I asked him if he really did want us to pray with him and noted that he shouldn't feel pressured to say yes. He replied, "Who would I be to say no to a prayer?"
I then asked Michael if he wanted to come in the van and place his hand on top of the Tabernacle while we prayed with him. And he did!
After Brother Damiano and I prayed with Michael while he held his hand over the Eucharist, he continued to sob, but his voice had changed, and he had stopped cursing. Brother Damiano made sure he knew he could pray with our Eucharistic Lord in any Catholic Church in the future. Michael went away genuinely joyful and free... reminded that no matter what is going on externally, and how hopeless the world may seem, he can always lean on Jesus, the source of all hope.
I've thought of that encounter a lot in the recent weeks. Aren't we all in Michael's shoes, desperate for Our Lord to help pick us up again when we fall? And every time, Jesus is right there waiting for us to reach out and hold onto him.
