The Human Connection (01/03/2026)

As the Christmas Season continues to draw out (don’t you just love how we cling to joy and love), I am amazed by the number of special interviews and shows I have seen concerning the good that is happening around us. One such interview was on the Milwaukee local channel and featured two volunteers from “Street Angels – A Milwaukee Outreach.” They provide food and clothing, beds for the homeless, showers, hot meals, and other needed amenities. But when questioned by the show host as to what was the most appreciated gift shared with visitors, both volunteers chimed in spontaneously with the same answer, “the human connection, friendship.”

In this day, there is so much need. We see it whenever we are out and about. We can’t ignore the need we see. We can and should contribute in any way we can to help those around us, those in our midst who are struggling. We can offer gifts of food, we can donate clothing and toys, but are we willing to offer our own presence and that human connection that can really make a difference?

This topic is very dear to my heart. I was sent a very special teacher who taught me the power of human connection. His name was Michael and it was a bitterly cold day in 1992. I have written about him and all he taught me before, but I will mention it again. He came to the parish office one frigid day when it was only the parish receptionist and me working. She called me and told me I needed to come immediately and then hung up. When I got downstairs, her door was closed, but a gentleman stood at the front door.

I introduced myself to him and asked him how I could help. He told me he was cold and hungry. I got him soap and towels to clean up and warm up in the bathroom while I ran home to get him warm clothes and a new pair of shoes since his were missing the leather at the toes. And then I took him to my favorite bistro in town and sat with him and visited with him while he ate a full dinner with soup, entrée, potatoes, and dessert.

When he was done, he folded his napkin and then told me “thank you.” I said that I was glad to help. Then he kindly and gently corrected me and illuminated me. “I am not thanking you for the clothes or shoes or even the hot meal. I am thanking you for the way you speak to me, stay with me, look at me, and treat me.” Then he shared that he’d been homeless for over 10 years but in all that time he’d neither starved nor gone naked, but he had longed for the human connection, for a shared meal, for a conversation, for mutual laughter.

I must tell you, he was my first experience at helping someone in need. I was a director of faith formation, not a pastoral minister. But in my ignorance, I asked the Spirit for guidance and then just acted. The Spirit led me, but it was Michael who taught me how important those small things like a smile, a concerned question, a conversation, a comfortable silence were to one who felt isolated and vulnerable.

And so, when I watched the segment on “Street Angels” from Milwaukee, it was like a heavenly thump reminding me that I do need to give what I can to help others, to give food and clothing, but I should never stop there. I should also seek to make human connections with others along the way, especially the most vulnerable and isolated.

As we continue on our journeys, especially during these final days of the Christmas season, let us be aware of those around us and recognize that they have not only physical needs but also emotional and spiritual needs. Let us be instruments of the LORD’s love as fully as we can, being as present as we can.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.