“St Michael’s Meals is a core group of dedicated parishioners, led by, Parish Priest and Dean of St Michael’s Melkite Catholic Cathedral. This group visits Central Station on Wednesday nights at 7.00 pm to feed the homeless; our aim is to build a trusting relationship so that we not only feed their bodies, but also their souls.

 

The relief, gratitude and friendship of the people we reach is our reward. No-one chooses to be on the street, we look into their eyes and see the person inside. Each has a story, we know the regulars by name and even know their likes and dislikes.

 

So many have an intellectual disability, who are we to judge the circumstances that pushed them onto the street? The church asks us to imitate the life of the saints: so let’s listen to their words: St Mother Teresa cautions us “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Our own Australian St Mary Mackillop encourages us to “Never see a need without doing something about it”.

 

It is so true that when we give, we receive so much more. Not only do we feel that we have made a difference to the lives of the people we feed, it has created a real affection and camaraderie between the people who show up every week to serve our fellow Sydneysiders.

 

Our motivation is simple and can be found in the Gospel: Matthew 25:35-40 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, 37 “The righteous will ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?... 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’