Diane M. Houdek

It is hard to depend on other people. We feel ashamed when we are in need and in turn shame those who need help from others, especially if they are “undeserving.”

Our world is far different than that of a medieval walled city, but the basic principles remain the same. We need to be mindful of those who seek work, but also of those who need basic food and shelter.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it

Our temptations aren’t likely to come to us from a mysterious figure in a deserted place. But often they revolve around the same basic human drives: hunger, emotional security, safety, status, ambition.

We find it difficult to admit when we’re wrong, when we’ve sinned. And it seems the more we try to live good Christian lives, the harder it gets to acknowledge how often we fail.

An early follower of Francis was not able to sustain the extreme fasting that Francis himself practiced. Rather than shaming the man, Francis broke his own fast so that his hungry brother could eat.