Confiteor....

I can't count the number of times I have been approached in Post Office Lane, or at the entrances to Central Station by a street person with hand outstretched asking for money.  Maybe the price of a hamburger, or towards a bed that night, or for a fare to a promised job.  My inevitable thought has been that it is more likely for a drink or two.  And invariably I shake my head and walk on.

Now Pope Francis confronts me head on.   Giving something to someone in need "is always right," the pope said.  "There are many excuses to justify why one does not lend a hand when asked by a person begging on the street", he said. "Some may think, 'I give money and he just spends it on a glass of wine!’” Then in his typical down-to-earth style he joked that a glass of wine may be that person's only happiness that day!

He also suggested we consider the guilty pleasures we may be spending our money on rather than giving to the needy.  A good Lenten reflection.

Years ago Archbishop Daniel Mannix was noted for walking daily in top hat and frock coat from his residence to St Patrick's cathedral in Melbourne.  His pocket has loaded with shilling coins which he unquestioningly dispensed along the way to the needy who approached him ... Even on occasions cheeky school urchins who knew of his largess!  Francis would approve.

Maybe I need to check that in future when I take the train into the city that I have a few 'gold' coins in my pocket so I will have no excuse for passing the street person by.