I met Ryan at Lunch in the Park. Ryan can only see out of his right eye; I’m not sure what happened to his left eye, but it seems to be permanently pointed inward with a light blue glaze over it. He had messy hair, missing teeth, dirty hands, no shoes, one good eye, and yet, when he looked at me, he looked at me with love and compassion.
We had only a short conversation, but in that time he told me a few things I thought curious, and a little humorous. I had asked him how long he had been in Denver, and he said nearly all his life. He mentioned being born in Aurora, and having spent 18 years in prison. He told me never to go there, and I said I would do my best. I chuckled, but he looked at me seriously and said, “You won’t. I can tell. You’re a good person.” I thanked him, and said it was very kind.
He asked if I was twenty-two, and I said yes, a little surprised at his accuracy. He mentioned that sometimes he can know things and doesn’t understand why. He assumes it’s the Holy Spirit giving him insights. He asked about my plans, and I shared my desires to study theology and philosophy, and to be a counselor. Ryan was nothing but encouraging. He assured me that I would be good at those things, and that God will use all of them for His plans. He told me, “You love people a lot. And that is what it’s all about.”
He proceeded to explain the Corporal Works of Mercy to me without using the term. I was so taken aback and inspired by his words. Standing before me is a person who has very little to his name, clearly has been through so much, and yet all he wants to talk about is loving others.
He wasn’t lamenting on bitterness with the world and with people, the ways he’s been wronged, how unfair things are, how sad and twisted life can be. While he surely had room to complain about such things, it was of no interest to him.
We talked about what it really means to love the other, how he tries to help out whenever and wherever he can, and how when people steal all of his stuff, he “just hopes they need it more” than him.
After a few minutes, I eventually asked him, “Ryan, why do you try so hard to love other people?” Without any hesitation, he looked me in the eye and said, “Because Jesus died on the cross.”
How often do I spend complaining about the smallest things, feeling indignant when I’m wronged, feeling sad because of how messed up the world can be, and blaming others rather taking responsibility? Probably more than I’d like to admit. Jesus died on the cross. He showed us the greatest love there is. What’s holding me back from imitating Christ and trying to love others as Ryan does?
Before I left, I unlaced my boots, laid them down next to him—well aware of my attachment and the severity of his need—and told him not to tell anyone. This is not me doing something heroic. Catholic Social Teaching shows that in this situation, those boots are truly his anyway.
I thanked him for his example and the way he loves others. He looked at me first with surprise, and then, with a huge grin, shouted, “You’re doing it! This is exactly what we were talking about!” Ryan gave me a big hug, and excitedly told me how these boots are special because they came from me. It was a beautiful moment.
Everytime I go for a hike, I hope I think of Ryan and offer up prayers for him.
Lord, help me to love like Ryan.
[Names have been changed in this story to respect the privacy of our friends on the street.]
Daniel is a first-year missionary with Christ in the City. When not reading books on theology at coffee shops, he enjoys playing guitar and piano (not at the same time), running, and performing stand-up comedy.
Great story. Alison knows how much Peggy and I love you guys and your mission doing God’s work with the less fortunate. God Bless. P. S. Stay safe with this crazy virus.
Wonderful! I’ve known Daniel since he was a little guy. God has great things planned for him. He has personality plus. God bless you ,Daniel. You are living the Word!💙
What an awesome experience. So much to learn from God’s people of all walks of life. Sure glad you had such a touching encounter.
So beautiful
We hold you and all CIC in our prayers.
We have a Son out there. So ea time you are witnessing Christ in your Mission, it is for us as well.
Susan&Roger
What an amazing young man you are Daniel! God bless you!
Dan,
Thank you for loving our people on the street. It’s
very obvious that God has you right where He wants you.
You are such a blessing to those folks and such a wonderful example to the rest of us . . . One person
can make a difference.
God Bless you.
What a great story! You were made to do great things Daniel! What perfect timing for this story when we all need to stop complaining and remember He died on the cross!!
Very cool Daniel! Thank you for sharing! It is so important for us to see Christ in everyone we encounter every day. What made your encounter all the better, is how he saw Christ in you.
Thanks for sharing! Beautiful story and message. God Bless this mission!
This story is awesome! It is you and your missionary brothers/sisters who inspire me to serve and love “ the least of these” as we are called to do. Thank you!
A beautiful story how bless you must fell .God be with your!!