Swine Flu and the Poor

The news is frightening this morning. Swine flu is aggressively moving thoughout the United States, where six states have people who have been infected by the virus. Why exactly, do I feel so vulnerable? Image all those at risk who live on the streets and take no regular precautions against any viruses (HIV, Influenza A and B, and many others). How many of these, our sisters and brothers, will contract the virus? How might we respond? How would the Christ respond?

Christ, I am certain, would respond compassionately. We must get the word out to those who are the most vulnerable. I believe that the best way to do this is personal, one on one, conversation with those who are the least likely to be aware of this serious virus. We must be vigilant and reach out to those who need medical attention. Most importantly, all of our actions must be grounded in the compassion that the Christ had for those who were/are vulnerable.

We are in the early stage of this possible worldwide Swine flu concern. Let us not forget to pray for those who are infected with the virus, those who are most vulnerable, and for the grace to respond as the visible presences of Christ in the world.

The No Show Family

The family I had expected did not show up at my office. This would generally make me crazy, but as fragmented as the caller was last night, I'm not surprised. This is another manifestation I encounter with the poor; they need assistance yet they often don't follow through. I've been called when a body is already at another funeral home. I know that the family is often being charged more than they can afford or the funeral home is only offering the bare essentials (fiberboard, cloth covered caskets, no frills) in order to make some income.

I became a funeral director to serve the poor and had no expectation of making a living doing so. This means that I will cut my basic service fee in order to upgrade a casket, or provide a hearse rather than my van, and so on. With the huge overhead of most funeral homes, these cuts are not feasible.

More about funerals and the poor another time.

The Poor We Will Have Always With Us

Don't leave yet. Of course you know that the poor are with us. The question within the statement is who we identify as the poor. With today's uncertain economy, there is a huge increase in those who consider themselves poor. Their criteria is based on declining income, loss of jobs, homes, and other material possessions. While I understand these circumstances and losses, I also look beyond them and include those who have experienced grief (from a death, separation, divorce, etc.), those who suffer depression and many others.

As a member of a Franciscan Religious Order, I am compelled to follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who focused his entire ministry on and with the poor. My primary focus is on those who are unable to pay the high costs of traditional funeral homes and are snubbed if they are dependent upon county funds to pay for a funeral. When a family approaches me for assistance, the question that continues to run through my mind is, "what would Francis do?"

I must ask myself how I welcome mourners and respond to their needs in a compassionate and financially responsible manner. Do I recognize the Christ in those with whom I work? How might we be financially responsible while maintaining dignity and service to these families?

I'm off to meet with a family soon. More later.