Prison Awareness Week

It’s Prison Awareness Week. Perhaps we ask what’s in it for us. We may shrug it off since anyway prisoners are behind bars for a well deserved punishment. But wait! Not all of them are. Some could be victims of circumstances; though others could be hard core. Some could be victims of circumstances; though others could be repeat offenders. One thing is sure, however; they are human beings just like you and me.
Should we be concerned for them? Jesus says. “…I was in prison and you went to see me” (Matt 25:36). Further, He says that “…whenever you did this to one of the least, to my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt 25:40). So every time we go and see them, it is Jesus we meet behind bars.

Visiting the imprisoned is one of the seven corporal works of mercy. And we ask again: What can my visit do for them? It may give them hope. Sharing our time with them may help them see that they still matter. Listening to them and praying for them could inspire them to work for change and be a reformed person. It is not only material things that can give them life. Our brotherly or sisterly concern for their welfare makes them realize that they are still worthwhile human beings even when they have to live their lives as prisoners…for now.

Whatever reason that puts them behind bars may be of consequence but our action towards them makes the difference for us. Do we recognize Jesus in them? Our brothers and sisters in prison are there for a reason whatever they are. Is that the end for them? It is; if you and I don’t help them find any to hope for.

Now that you know, what will you do?