I knew him from my association with the community of
San’Egido in Rome. Once a week I spend sometime with this community to reach
out to most needy and poor people in Rome, who stay on the streets. We
talk to them and distribute necessary material things. By now I became friendly
with some of them and talk to them whenever I meet them. Georgo (named changed)
is one of them. Whenever I meet him, he
narrates to me some interesting stories of his profession. He goes around Rome,
often in the crowded public bus and steals things from others.
The other day I had to go to Vatican. As soon as got
into the bus I saw Georgo. We saw each other and exchanged a smile. I knew he
was on his mission and tried to follow his movements. But it was quite obvious
that my presence was a hindrance for him. He remained at one corner of the bus
and in fact was looking at me again and again. When I got down from the bus, he too followed
me. I wished him ‘good luck’ for his work and asked him not to steal from the
poor and old people. To my great surprise he told me, “I never steal anything
from Asian or African people. They are poor people come here to earn some
money. And even if I get any documents or certificates I send them to the
owners. I too have a heart.”
The last sentence of Georgo touched me. I looked at
face. There was sadness on his face. Perhaps for the first time, I saw
something very special on his face. A face that speaks his innocence! A face
that shows that he is also son of God! I discovered a new Georgo. I gave a
smile and left him.
In life we often judge people based on their profession,
external out-look, social statues etc. But do we really see anyone before
judging. Do we see the hidden heart- a heart full of love!
