Mercy Pedalers believe that by welcoming and reaching out to men and women experiencing homelessness on the streets with a sense of dignity, respect and love that God’s mercy will be present. The philosophy of “Welcoming the Stranger” is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy which has evolved over thousands of years deriving from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-40—
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 cared for me
I was in prison and you visited me
When we “Welcome the Stranger” we bring our openness to be and grow in relationship with the other. We approach someone’s space, or allow someone to enter our space, in a non-judgmental, warm and hospitable manner. We become present to each other, share our thoughts and concerns, and enjoy a comfortable cup of coffee or a cool glass of water. By our presence together, God’s mercy will be revealed.
