Falling Leaves

John and Larry were walking in the park on a sunny fall afternoon. The air was crisp and the leaves had turned bright red and yellow and orange. The ground was covered with leaves.

"Larry” said John after a while, "do you think leaves get sad when they fall down?" Larry thought about this very carefully. He said “I don't think so. I think they like being up in the trees when it's summer, because it's nice to wave at the sunshine. But when autumn comes, they like to go on a little journey, floating down and making that crinkly sound under our feet."

Larry said, “Besides, they keep us company when we walk. If leaves didn't fall, we wouldn't have such a nice sound to walk through. It's as if the park is talking to us."

John smiled, and the wind carried another shower of leaves around them. "I think fall feels a bit like friends, Larry. Even when the days get shorter and colder, there are still warm colors and warm hearts to make it bright."

Larry replied “Perhaps fall is a reminder that even when things change, it can still be rather lovely-especially if you have someone to walk with." And so they continued on, step by step, through the park, two friends in a big world, finding comfort in the gentle rustle of autumn around them.

As we visit our friends in need this fall, remember the real purpose of our encounters. It is to walk with them on the path their life takes them. We can bring them what they need, food and clothing and even a bed to sleep on. What they need most is someone to understand their challenges and do what they can to help. As we give praise to God for our blessings we also should give service to those in need.

Jesus tells his followers that entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires one to see and serve the poor among them. Moreover, it requires that they must see their service to the poor as service to Him.

Deacon John Girolami
SSVP ONRC Spiritual Advisor