Maryann and Sean

Sunday, September 18, 2022
Temperature: 79
This day God gave us the privilege of serving 46 people.

“Can you please baptize me?”

We saw a couple of people we have come to know standing under the commuter rail bridge on School Street. As we pulled up, people started to come from all directions. Very quickly there were a dozen people standing on both sides of our truck with others continuing to arrive. As each person approached, we shook their hand, asked their name and handed them our packet: $10 cash, a $10 Dunkin-Donuts certificate, along with the On the Street prayer card, a bottle of water and fresh fruit. Many asked for extra water and fruit which we gladly provided. With such a rush of people clamoring for help it can be difficult to have a conversation. Nevertheless, we were genuinely touched by their desire to have personal interaction with us. After receiving our gifts, one woman (Joyce) asked, “Can you please baptize me?” We gently told her we could not baptize her but we would be happy to give her a blessing. Smiling broadly, she replied, “That would be fine.” As we laid our hand on her shoulder and offered our blessing, the crowd quieted respectfully. Rich, a regular at this location, smiled and told us that he has a newborn son named Micah. We shared that Micah was an Old Testament prophet. At that, Rich lit up with a big smile. Continuing to give out our gifts, another woman (Betty) in a wheelchair, approached and asked, “Would you give me a blessing and pray with me too?” Again, the crowd quieted while we prayed. As we drove away from the bridge it was evident that the people we have the privilege of serving yearn intensely for affirmation of God’s love.

“In the poor and outcast we see Christ’s face; by loving and helping the poor, we love and serve Christ.” Pope Francis

“I didn’t believe you existed.”

He was an older gentleman trudging down Main Street with his belongings on his back. Traffic was heavy and moving fast so we had to pass him by. Seeing an empty space, we pulled in and waited. As he walked by, we held out our packet and asked, “Could you use some help?” It took a minute to register. Then, seeing the $10 bill he replied, “Yes, I can! For sure!” As he got closer, he looked at the sign on the truck: “On the Street Ministry.” His face lit up and he excitedly said, “I heard about you guys but I didn’t believe you existed.” Introducing ourselves, we asked his name. “Fred! Thanks so much for the help,” he replied. We said, “You’re welcome! It’s not just us. A lot of people make it possible.”

“Each one of them may be Jesus in disguise.” Mother Teresa