The Jesus Run

A reflection from Olivia

The Jesus Run was an experience unlike anything our group had done before. Staying in the compound and serving dinner to the residents in the shelter is one thing, but literally talking the talk and walking the walk is another. As my aunt Marcia passed me half of her jelly sandwich while I folded it onto its perfect complement, peanut butter, I had no notion of what I was doing and what was happening. It started with an assembly line of the group, each one doing separate tasks to complete the quota of about 100 pb and j sandwiches we would need for our run tonight. 

Olivia, Marcia and Jim preparing peanut butter  and jelly sandwiches

Sarah, Walker and John

The team had a great system going to get the 100+ sandwiches ready

We all hopped into the vans and drove to Manhattan to a couple of places that the Friars know where homeless people congregate. 

Lucy and Colin in the van with the sandwiches

New York scene

The first stop was Grand Central Station. We broke into groups of threes and fours and dispersed into the Station. We all had a common goal in mind; find people in need of God’s love, and spread it. No pun intended.

First stop was Grand Central Station. We all agreed that the homeless was invisible to us until we did the Jesus Run. Our awareness is so different now.

Paul, Fr Rich (background), Lucy, Reese and Br. Crispin getting ready to bring sandwiches and Jesus to the poor

 Next we headed for Penn Station which is right next to Madison Square Garden.  Each place offered an opportunity to meet new people, and hear each of the homeless person’s stories. I owe the best part of my night to a homeless man who performed an act of kindness I wasn’t anticipating on receiving. Instead of the members of our group offering our prayers up to God for him, he reversed the roles and prayed for us.  The whole experience was incredible because what this man wanted most at the time - a man living on the streets, hungry for the sandwiches we provided him with- was to pray for us. The whole encounter was incredible and I cherished it for the rest of the night. The Jesus Run was so moving because it put actual names to the faces of the many homeless men and women living on the streets of New York. It gave us a chance to help other people through an act so simple as giving them a sandwich, which is why it was an experience unlike any other. 

Jim, Sarah and Olivia

Meghan, Colin and Patti with our friend who was so appreciative of us not only bringing him a sandwich but spending time and praying with and for him