Journal 2

          I think the scripture passage surmounts to the statement, "if you talk the talk you have to walk the walk," or some other cliche saying like, "actions speak louder than words."  While these catchy sayings and meaningful quotes sound so nice, following through is more difficult than perceived.  While I'd like to say that I have overcome this difficult task and performed the work of God, I generally haven't.  The second statement/situation dealing with the homeless man asking for food is a situation I have been in before.  While I have many different excuses and reasons for not doing anything, they don't negate the fact that I consistently do nothing but look on and drive.  Of course, I can't be the only one to look on without acting.  This thought, while further justifying inaction, simultaneously adds the continuation of the problem itself.
          While I understand that excuses don't make up for not doing something, it can shed light onto the situation.  The main two reasons I have never spontaneously donated (meaning being asked on the spot for money by an individual) are: I was rarely in control of the situation and even if I was, I don't often carry cash or a surplus of nonperishable food items.  An example of the first reason would be when driving in an area with people begging (usually when travelling in other cities), I would often be with my parents or a member of a much larger group.  I saw this as enough a reason not to do anything.  However, in the church scenario, I have $40 dollars and am mostly in charge of when I leave.  Well, there go my two good excuses; now what? Considering I just left a Mass where the homily specifically taught on good works, I am most likely a bit more fired up than usual about helping the less fortunate.  Normally, I would lean towards not giving money to a total stranger due to the fact that I have little as it is and that I have no idea what they actually want it for. However, because the woman asking for money abandoned the stereotypical street corner and came directly to a church, she seems a bit more genuine and humble.  Also, she specified that she needed the money for medicine for her husband.  This adds vulnerability to her already convincing list of traits.  The combination of her genuineness and my current attitude towards good works would lead me to give her $10.  I would also urge her/take her to speak with the pastor.
          Some people may ask if $10 dollars and a polite send off in the right direction was enough.  I suppose the more righteous of the world would do more, but ultimately any act, when done with kindness, is good work.