Today’s readings are challenging. They teach us that we get by with a little help from our friends, even if we begrudge them.  Aaron and Hur help Moses win the battle when he does not have the strength himself to keep going.  Psalm 121 is an old favourite of many people: I lift up my eyes…the Lord who neither slumbers nor sleeps is on our side. The second reading encourages us to be persistent and the Gospel mirrors that message in the parable of judge who neither feared God nor respected humans.  Despite this the crotchety old man does give the persistent widow justice.

Today I was out trying to do a photography assignment and decided to ask this squeegee “kid” if he would let me take his photo while he cleaned my window and he agreed. He did all my windows but this picture captured something about the care with which he did his job. As I handed over some money, he told me he had a newborn and was going to stay in Winnipeg for a few more weeks unless it got colder. Then he would head to warmer parts of the country. I waved as I drove off and in reflection realize that these kids are like that widow. They keep standing on street corners, begging to do a job. They rely on people who have more more money, more status, more power than they do to help them through.

This may not be the best picture technically but something about it spoke to me about the care that he gave me in that brief interaction. I wonder what he is thinking about as he looks into my window.  When I asked if he would help me to do the assignment of someone working, he did not hesitate or ask any questions, even prior to me saying that I would pay him for allowing me to photograph him. He was just kind and considerate.

Where does your help come from? On days when you are cold and lonely or cannot fight the battle alone, in times when the world seems against you and judges you unfairly, where do you turn? What strength do you draw upon to make it through?

Peace,

Suzanne