Proper 9, Yr A

July 3, 2011

There’s a guy who comes by the church to see me on a regular basis; well, there are several guys, but I’m thinking of one in particular. He’s clearly an operator. He’s not really homeless, at least, not all of the time. For a few months I’ll see him regularly in the lineup or at the monthly meal, then when his 90 days runs out, he makes himself scarce—except to come by and see me. He always wants a bus ticket to Milwaukee, but there’s always a story involved. It’s never the same story, though. After the second time, I told him that I could only help him once every six months—that was a rule we had back in South Carolina, and it worked pretty well to keep the most annoying people at bay. So the six months came up this past week, and sure enough, he came back by the church, looking for money for a bus ticket to go to Milwaukee. We missed each other, but next time he comes by, I’ll tell him, he’s been to Milwaukee more often in the last two years, than I have, and that’s only if you count the trips I’ve paid for. Continue reading →