Along the way!

The other day I was about to leave my community for a work to a distance place. As I stepped outside, a boy of aged 14/15 came to me. He came to our vicinity for work roughly a month ago and I met him already a few times. After our initial conversation, I asked him about his work. “I am not able to work for the last few days,” he said.

“Why” I asked.

“I have got terrible problem on my back and I am not able walk properly.”

“Why don't you go to Doctor?”

“I do not have money.”

“Then what will you do?”

 No answer. At that moment I did not have any other option than to open my wallet and give him some money. I had only the traveling expenses with me. I gave him some money and decided to walk half the way as I would not have enough money to take any public transport.

After saying good bye to that boy I got into a bus. In the bus I met a friend of mine with whom I studied many years ago. We began to talk, especially many of our childhood memories. While we were talking, the bus conductor (one who collects bus fare) came to us. Before I could pay my fare, my friend paid for both of us. When I asked him why he paid, he said, “You have given your life for the people. Now it is our moral responsibly to serve you. You just pray for me.”

I was stunned. As a priest, this is what I receive wherever I go. This makes me more humble and helps me to forget about my external needs and to place my trust in ‘HIM’. Perhaps this is an invitation for all of us in the New Year of 2014!