Brian and Tim strolled down the sidewalk on the way back to the office. They gave a wide berth to the homeless man who sat against the building, cardboard sign in hand. Careful not to make eye contact, they hurried past.

“Carmine’s sure knows how to make a great lunch,” Brian said.

“You can say that again,” Tim agreed. “I’m stuffed. I won’t be good for much work this afternoon.”

“The bonuses are coming out this Friday,” Brian said. “Got plans for yours?”

Tim laughed. “I’m pretty sure my wife already has it spent in her head. She’s been pestering me about getting the kitchen redone. We’re also planning to take the kids to Disney over spring break. What about you?”
Brian held open the door to their office building and Tim headed inside. “We’re going to put in an in-ground pool.”

Tim clapped him on the shoulder. “Nice!” They made their way across the foyer and passed the janitor emptying the trash cans. “Hey, Harry, what are you going to do with your bonus?”

Harry glanced up from his work and studied the two men for a moment. “I’m an hourly employee. We don’t get bonuses.”

Tim swallowed. “Oh, sorry.” He hurried back to his office and got back to work.

At the end of the day, Tim grabbed his briefcase, said goodnight to his secretary, and found himself walking out the door behind Harry. Harry approached the homeless man. Curious to see what Harry would do, Tim lingered behind.

“Howdy, Chester,” Harry said to the man. “What do you feel like eating tonight?”

“How about prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, and asparagus with Hollandaise sauce?”

Harry chuckled. “Sounds perfect. I’d love to join you for that meal. Would you settle for a ham and cheese on rye?”

Chester grinned and held out a grimy hand. Harry handed him a wrapped sandwich. “Thanks, so much, Harry. You’re a good man.”

“You’re a good man, too, Chester. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Harry shook Chester’s hand and walked to the bus stop.

That night, Tim tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He couldn’t get the image of Harry giving a sandwich to the homeless man. Harry, who didn’t even get a bonus, Harry who cleaned toilets for a living. He couldn’t have much extra money.

Tim arose early, and stopped outside the office building before heading to work, anxious to talk to the homeless man. His stomach twisted as he approached him. What was he even going to say?

Chester glanced up as Tim approached. “What can I do for you, sir?”

Suddenly, Tim’s collar felt a bit too tight. He ran a finger under it and loosened his tie a fraction of an inch. “I was just wondering how well you know Harry. He works in that building.”
Tim pointed to the door.

Chester eyed Tim up and down, as if determining whether it was worth answering him. “Every day, Harry leaves work and brings me a sandwich on his way to the bus stop. I’ve been here for about 4 months now, and without fail, I know I’ll have something to eat because of that man.”

Tim stared at Chester, not sure what to say. He fumbled in his pocket and drew out his wallet. He pulled out a $20, thrust it at Chester, and hurried into the office building, guilt and shame following after him. Four months? He’d been walking past that man for four months and never once paid him any attention. He’d assumed he was beneath him because of his circumstances. Addicted to drugs, or mentally unstable. But the man was clear-eyed, well-spoken. He seemed intelligent. But if that was the case, why was he living on the streets?

Tim was distracted all day until he ran into Harry in the men’s room just before going home for the night. “Harry, can I ask you a question?”
Harry put down the trash bag and faced Tim. “Yes, sir?”

“What do you know about the homeless man sitting in front of the building?”

Harry’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, sir. I give him food sometimes. Please, I need this job.”

Tim frowned. “I’m not asking because I’m going to fire you. I’m curious how he got to be homeless. He’s been sitting in front of our building for months.”
“Are you going to make him move?” Harry asked. “He likes that spot because it’s close to the subway vent so he can keep warm, yet it’s not too far from the public restrooms.”

“I’m not going to make him move,” Tim said. “I’m simply curious how he came to be in that situation.”

“You’ll have to ask him yourself, sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” Harry tied up the trash bag, inserted a new one, and hauled the trash out of the men’s room.

Tim washed his hands and exited the building, stopping at Chester’s spot on the way outside.

Chester sat up straighter as Tim approached. “I don’t understand. I’ve seen you walk into that building for months now, and you’ve never given me the time of day. Why are you stopping here twice in one day now?”

Tim rubbed his forehead with his thumb and forefinger. “I’m not exactly sure. But I want to help you. How would you like a hot shower and a soft bed tonight? I’ll pay for a night in a hotel for you.”
Chester blinked. “That’s mighty kind of you, but I’m afraid it would just make the next night that much harder.”

“I’d like to help you get a job,” Tim said. “Now where had that thought come from?

Chester grinned. “I’d like that very much. Yes, sir, very much indeed.”

Matthew 25:34-40

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“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.’

Dear Lord, please help us to remember that everyone we meet is one of Your children. Help us to treat everyone with respect, no matter their circumstances. You’ve blessed us with so much. Help us to share those blessings with others. You also tell us not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven. Thank you for all you have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.