Many of you, like me, were no doubt touched by the story coming out of New York City following the actions of 25 year old police officer Lawrence DePrimo. Officer DePrimo was working on 42nd Street on a really cold night in November when he noticed a shoeless homeless man walking down the sidewalk. The officer stepped into a nearby shoe store and emerged with a pair of all-weather boots, which he then helped the man to put on. The moment was captured on her cell phone camera by a tourist from Arizona.
It was a moving moment that demonstrates love and generosity to a culture often overshadowed by cynicism and negativity. This time of year many people become more generous. Whether it is a reflection on the spirit of the season or a reflection on our nature, it is a great thing. The moment I heard the story of Officer DePrimo I immediately thought of this passage from Matthew's Gospel.
Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?"
And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:34-40 ESV)
You can read more about this story here.
Or see the original post on the NYPD Facebook page here.