MCCULLOUGH: Encountering the other in their need

(OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)Although many of us currently find ourselves enjoying summertime, I cannot help but think of those who are enduring extraordinarily difficult times. 

Some are being affected by trauma or loss, suffering sudden or chronic illnesses, feeling the stress of financial instability or risk of homelessness, struggling with conflict or addiction and many other high hurdles that they did not see coming. 

Special Youth Services supports youth 10 to 17 years of age in Juvenile Justice Centers, or their families in “the free.” It is common to learn that youth and their families have experienced the situations mentioned above. As Catholic Christians, our place is at their side. 

As one of the pastoral ministers to these young people, we not only visit the children on the units where they live and sleep, but we are also present in the area where the youth wait before their court appearances.  

We only visit those who accept our offer; however, it is my experience that the majority of them are interested in non-judgmental care, listening and prayer before facing the judge. 

Over the last year and a half, I have spent time sitting with, listening to, learning from, encouraging and praying with hundreds of young people. Honestly, I am at times astonished and humbled by the deep repentance and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in these faith-filled youth.  

In Matthew 25:34-40, we are told how integral it is to our salvation and how intimately connected to Christ we are when serving those in need. 

For me, I needed organized efforts that were easy for me to join before I went to encounter the poor and suffering. I remember the time in high school when my classmates and I split up and went to the homes of needy families to distribute food and gifts for the holidays. 

From that experience, to later working in homeless services and hospital chaplaincy, I learned to say “yes” to ever more uncomfortable opportunities to encounter people in situations different and more difficult than my own. 

The Corporal Works of Mercy (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2447) give us direction and a chance to say “yes” to action and humble service. Arriving without judgment alongside our neighbors in need, we can trust that God’s love within each of us is planting a seed. 

As I reflect on the many seasons of suffering I’ve had in my own life, I give thanks to God for the empathetic people who dared to acknowledge me in my suffering. From these examples, I have found healing and a calling to say to others, “I am here with you, I see you are hurting, and with God, it will be okay.” 

In my life, I have experienced the presence of God most profoundly when I am humbly present with those who are hurting or needy. 

I have learned that God can bless the mess, and — even more gloriously — God will bless our “yes” when we have the courage to give it.

Don McCullough is a pastoral minister with Special Youth Services.