As I'm invigilating in the college for an undergrad who is sitting for his final paper, I began thinking about what I experienced yesterday.
I had a long day. Upon saying goodbye to Pete who was flying home to Malta, I dropped by Sainsbury's for a much-needed food shopping. After that, I walked to the nearest bus stop to wait for the bus home. Usually there would be many people waiting for bus, but yesterday there was just me (and my groceries).
Then came a man, who from afar, I could hear him cursing at the passersby, angry and drunk. I was afraid but I remained there. Before he reached the bus stop, I muttered a prayer to Jesus asking Him to send the angels to protect me from harm. When he came near, and looked at me, suddenly he coughed so much so I offered him some apple juice which I bought from the store.
I knew how dangerous it was for me to speak to a homeless drunk who definitely didn't smell like fresh flowers but of stale beer, but the offer of fruit juice actually calmed him down from angrily shouting man to a very very sad person. I thought he wanted money so I told him I didn't have spare change, only fruit juice to offer, but he said he didn't want any. He kept reaching out his hand to me. When some people passed by and tried to shoo him away, he gave the excuse that he was waiting for a bus to them. Thank God for these people who were worried for my safety. For some reason unknown to myself, I reached out for his hand and gave a handshake while saying "God bless you!" My heart was filled with sadness when I looked at him. I asked if he has a place to stay and he said sometimes he sleeps at the park but last night he'd be seeing some friends. I asked about his family and he said he has a mother whom he hasn't seen for years. I told him to go for a visit. I had a feeling that nobody had spoken to him for a long time.
When my bus came and I said goodbye, I did wonder for a moment if I had represented Christ properly. I saw Jesus' sorrowful eyes in this man. I pray that this homeless guy will try to stay sober in future.
