10 Trinity Sq
Toronto, ON
M5G 1B1
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reflections and sermons posted here are the work of individual members of Holy Trinity. Opinions expressed are those of the writer or preacher and do not necessarily reflect an official or even popular opinion within the parish.
What Would Hilda Do?
SARA BOYLES
As I listened to the accomplishments of Hilda Powicke last Sunday at her memorial service I was struck by the way she impacted the world around her. A founding mother of The Distress Centre, what is now Toronto Hospice, The Café and other important and supportive organizations she endeavoured to build communities of compassion in the heart of the city. It is interesting to me that she lived in the Beach, was a super neighbour but devoted her considerable energies to the downtown core.
I wonder what gaps in downtown living she would find to address if she were with us now. What community of compassion would she imagine and then turn into reality? I would ask her to help me think through the problems the men and women have who call this Square their home and whose family and loved ones are named on the Homeless Memorial outside the south door.
Most of these men and women are alcoholics. There are very few, if any, places where they can drink in private. Fewer places where they can sleep off their overindulgence. I understand and fully support keeping them from wreaking havoc, interrupting worship and intimidating others but I am left to wonder where do we expect them to go? How do we say you are still worthy? How do we say you are more than your illness? They are isolated from hostels, shelters and "programs". I do understand why. Their behaviour can be inappropriate and they can be obnoxious. What would we do if one of them were a personal friend? Does that give me any clues to what should be put in place for the group on the square and others like them.
God's love mediated through community is for all of us. It is there when we make good decisions or when things go wrong. The love continues even though we may feel ashamed, guilty, embarrassed or desperate. I believe these men and women often feel the above emotions and they are part of the vicious cycle that keeps them outside and drunk. Their ghetto is the street since no one will give them room. Respect does not mean condoning. It means searching for a way forward in a complex environment that is workable, sustainable and reflective of our belief about the world we are part of.
Sara November 30, 1999 |
