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Enter into lives of the forgotten

By Father Dennis Meinen
View from the scooter

After getting a delegation to go to the funeral - it's impossible to find ten people who knew him well enough to go.

I remember showing a movie in religion class called “Cipher in the Snow,” written by Jean Mizer, an Idaho teacher, counselor and guidance director. A cipher is a zero. This movie has since been frequently reprinted and the story and film used in school moral education: for instance, as part of anti-bullying initiatives.
The story is about an ostracized teenager, Cliff Evans, who following his parents' divorce has no friends and becomes completely withdrawn, a “cipher”. Then on a school bus, he asks to be let off, and collapses and dies in the snow near the roadside. His school's math teacher is asked to notify his parents and write the obituary. Though listed as Cliff's favorite teacher, he recalls that he hardly knew him. After getting a delegation to go to the funeral - it's impossible to find ten people who knew him well enough to go - the teacher resolves never to let this happen to another child in his charge.
 
In a recent Lenten gospel, Matthew 25:31-46, the Last Judgment Scene, the righteous inherit the kingdom but still wonder where to find God.  Generous and faithful, they are present to the least among us, the ciphers.  Moving beyond duty, they enter into the lives of those who are forgotten. 
 
Scripture is blunt: Jesus says, “You will find me among the poor.” God is gracious and merciful; his love compels us to treat others with mercy and kindness. When we do something for one of Christ's little ones, we do it for Christ. Do you treat your neighbor with mercy and love as Christ has treated you? Who are the ciphers among us: the elderly? Those with a disability? A family member? A co-worker? BABIES? "Lord Jesus, be the master and ruler of my heart. May your love rule in my heart that I may only think and act with charity towards all.”

On Feb. 25 (and lasting until April 5th ) we started the 40 Days for Life campaign at Holy Spirit Retirement Home. We promised to pray for the success of the 40 Days for Life campaign through Mass, and prayer, especially on Tuesdays, the day the local Planned Parenthood in Sioux City kills babies.
 
I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Please pray that the Holy Spirit will descend upon our country, inspiring us toward a culture of life, and that we will be open His inspiration.