Radical Compassion Finding Christ in the Heart of the Poor

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· 136 ratings · 22 reviews

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Nov 07, 2021 Dan Nuxoll rated it it was amazing

This book is mostly a series of vignettes of people that the author worked with in Old Town Portland. Old Town is the skid road of Portland. These stories are interspersed with reflections that emphasize that Christians meet Christ in the poor and that the Church must minister to these people. The concluding chapter is about pearls, and this book is notable because the author finds the pearls inside the people of Old Town where many might see simply addiction and mental illness. This book is any This book is mostly a series of vignettes of people that the author worked with in Old Town Portland. Old Town is the skid road of Portland. These stories are interspersed with reflections that emphasize that Christians meet Christ in the poor and that the Church must minister to these people. The concluding chapter is about pearls, and this book is notable because the author finds the pearls inside the people of Old Town where many might see simply addiction and mental illness. This book is anything but condescending. ...more

Aug 18, 2021 Bridgette rated it it was amazing

Hands down one of the most memorable and touching books I've ever read. A must read for those trying to find love in their hearts for the outcast, the homeless, the addicts, those that society thinks are a nuisance. Highly recommend.

Aug 16, 2019 Ma rated it it was amazing

This will go on my list of all time favorites. The author demonstrates what a life of compassion truly looks like.

Jun 07, 2020 Kathy rated it it was amazing

This is a powerful, raw glimpse at life among the poorest of society. Thank you, Father Gary, for sharing these heartfelt stories and all your tireless work serving our community.

Jul 17, 2019 Lisa Bingham rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Radical Compassion, is a sincerely profound chronicle of Father Gary Smith's life with the poor in the inner city of Portland, Oregon. He records interactions and experiences of his ministry describing how he views each individual as created by God.With deep emotion, he describes his genuine relationships as he listens to the people intently and describes his own feelings for each one. Father Smith shows his humanity while telling their stories; for example, he gagged from the smell of dead rats Radical Compassion, is a sincerely profound chronicle of Father Gary Smith's life with the poor in the inner city of Portland, Oregon. He records interactions and experiences of his ministry describing how he views each individual as created by God.With deep emotion, he describes his genuine relationships as he listens to the people intently and describes his own feelings for each one. Father Smith shows his humanity while telling their stories; for example, he gagged from the smell of dead rats in an apartment he visited. He felt sadness when people died alone and estranged from family members, and he felt disgusted with certain lifestyle choices.I admire how he lives out his faith.He doesn't just talk about God, but he applies faith to every aspect of his life.He acknowledges that things are evil like substance abuse, certain sexual behaviors, abuse of children, hate of others, and violence to name a few, but he points out that there are reasons behind people's choices and he sees each individual as a human being created by and in need of God.He shares about a radio host's view point who "declared war on the homeless poor" (pg. 135) and felt that they shouldn't be allowed to live on the streets. Father Smith (2002) states, "The moral crime is that people like this jerk have no interest in finding out anything about the human being who stands on the corner, smelling and hungry.Were he to meet one such person and hear that individual's story, he might understand the beating heart before him and the reason why that luckless individual is standing there looking for a handout" (p. 136).

Father Smith points out that one of the reasons for our suffering is so we can be present for others who are hurting.We may not understand their exact circumstances but we can certainly understand the feelings of suffering through fear, anger, grief, or other painful emotions.

Through Father Smith's story, we see that relationships are mutual and both people gain something from one another. Throughout the book, he relates how much he gains from the people he ministers to.This is particularly evident in the eleventh chapter when he tells the story of Robert who was dying of AIDS. He ministered to Robert and spent time with him even when Robert continued to misuse substances, live in a sexually promiscuous manner, and treat others poorly. Even though some of Robert's behaviors offend him, he overcomes his feelings and conveys compassion to him as someone who is loved by God. Robert eventually realizes that like God, Smith cares for him in spite of his behavior. He was able to express the heart of the gospel when he says, "'My resistance to God,' he said, 'has always been rooted in my feelings of being dirty. Like I am always a leper. But I know that we are all lepers to some degree and that in spite of that God still loves us.In fact, Jesus spent a lot of time with lepers,'"(Smith, 2002, p. 148).After accepting God's love and forgiveness, Robert was baptized. In his sermon, Smith likened Robert to the Good Samaritan because he allowed Smith to be part of his story. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the people who were religious people walked on the other side of the road and pretended they didn't see the man who had been nearly beaten to death. The Samaritans and Jews were enemies but the Samaritan takes care of his enemy and expects nothing in return. Normally, I would have thought about Father Smith being the Samaritan and Robert being the needy man in the parable, but Father Smith realizes how God in his grace used him to help Robert. That is a gift

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Aug 18, 2016 Philip Palios rated it it was amazing

This is one of the best books I've ever read. Through Fr. Gary's candid journal entries documenting his life ministering to the poor, I've gained a new perspective and better understanding of the poor, the challenges they face and how we can be of service to them. I've long thought that the only way to help the poor was to get them out of poverty, and while that is certainly something that needs to be done and is worth fighting for, I've learned through Fr. Gary's example that in the mean time w This is one of the best books I've ever read. Through Fr. Gary's candid journal entries documenting his life ministering to the poor, I've gained a new perspective and better understanding of the poor, the challenges they face and how we can be of service to them. I've long thought that the only way to help the poor was to get them out of poverty, and while that is certainly something that needs to be done and is worth fighting for, I've learned through Fr. Gary's example that in the mean time we can give the poor our love and companionship. If we have money, food or clothing to spare, of course that is helpful. But what struck me the most was how lonely most of the poor are: Isolated to neighborhoods that the rest of society avoids, and sometimes living most of their life in a single room by themselves. The second most important insight I gained was how for most poor people, they will remain poor for the rest of their life. Whether it be mental illness, addiction, disability or a combination of the three, getting to know these people quickly reveals that getting out of poverty is often not as simple as we might think it is.

As Fr. Gary states, it is in the heart of the poor that one finds God and his accounts clearly demonstrate the truth in this statement. He never discusses getting people out of poverty, but instead focuses on being with them, being there for them and helping them discover God's love. His work is being there for them day in and day out, year after year. He doesn't try to convert them or change their ways, he is simply there to show them love. It is truly a heartwarming story despite the awful circumstances.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever walked by a person living on the street and felt a twinge of curiosity, repulsion, fear, or disconnection. Reading Fr. Gary's journal will demonstrate that while the poor live in an entirely different reality than the rest of us, they are our brothers and only by connecting with them can we truly know God.

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Aug 20, 2007 Brandon rated it really liked it

The book is the story of a Jesuit priest who ministers to the poor in Portland, Oregon. The priest's love for those who are often marginalized by society actually brought me to tears at certain points.

His thoughts about the poor on pg.164 "Sometimes we encounter individuals who help us locate the intersection of the divine and the human. They break open our hearts, and we understand God's care for all because they are simple and lovable, worthy and good -- a gift to us all. Nothing they do distr

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Feb 24, 2009 Ellyn rated it it was ok

A journal written by a priest who spent years living and working among the poor in downtown Portland's Old Town. Fr. Gary presents rich and insightful portraits of some of the individuals with whom he worked. I thought that he came across as kind of presumptuous at times, and the book was too religious for my taste, but I definitely admire all of the good work that Fr. Gary does. Plus, it's cool that the book takes place in Portland in a neighborhood where some of my friends work. A journal written by a priest who spent years living and working among the poor in downtown Portland's Old Town. Fr. Gary presents rich and insightful portraits of some of the individuals with whom he worked. I thought that he came across as kind of presumptuous at times, and the book was too religious for my taste, but I definitely admire all of the good work that Fr. Gary does. Plus, it's cool that the book takes place in Portland in a neighborhood where some of my friends work. ...more

Nov 18, 2008 Jessica rated it it was amazing

A poignant glimpse into the world of impoverished Americans. A gentle man with a big heart who has seen it all lives in solidarity with Portland's homeless, and brings their heart breaking stories to the pages of this book. An incredibly thought provoking book, particularly for those who live in an urban area and are faced each day with the ethical questions of homelessness. A poignant glimpse into the world of impoverished Americans. A gentle man with a big heart who has seen it all lives in solidarity with Portland's homeless, and brings their heart breaking stories to the pages of this book. An incredibly thought provoking book, particularly for those who live in an urban area and are faced each day with the ethical questions of homelessness. ...more

An interesting read from a Jesuit priest who works with the homeless or semi-homeless in Portland. More anecdotal than preachy, it nevertheless reminds you that the "losers" in life are people like us with their own hopes and dreams. Just with a lot more obstacles, many of which they have no chance of overcoming. God bless Fr. Smith and those he works with. An interesting read from a Jesuit priest who works with the homeless or semi-homeless in Portland. More anecdotal than preachy, it nevertheless reminds you that the "losers" in life are people like us with their own hopes and dreams. Just with a lot more obstacles, many of which they have no chance of overcoming. God bless Fr. Smith and those he works with. ...more

Jul 09, 2007 Sheila rated it really liked it

When I suspect that some of my clients are taking advantage of the social services system in which I work I think of this book and Father Smith's attitude of compassion towards the poor. I was especially moved by his acceptance of the dishonest poor. The writing is very honest and blunt. It has a journal-like feel to it. When I suspect that some of my clients are taking advantage of the social services system in which I work I think of this book and Father Smith's attitude of compassion towards the poor. I was especially moved by his acceptance of the dishonest poor. The writing is very honest and blunt. It has a journal-like feel to it. ...more

Absolutely incredible... Every Christian should have this in their library. Great vignettes. Great way to start out the day. This guy, Gary Smith, gets it. Being a Christian is more than church on Sunday; it is what we do Monday - Saturday. This man has given his life for the poor and castaways... literally. Highly recommend.

Apr 09, 2008 mg rated it it was amazing

This is one of the most profound, touching books on homelessness I've read. (Not that I've read all that many...) Fr. Smith gives so much insight into who is behind that easily ignored person on the street, asking for change. I was moved to tears more than once. This is one of the most profound, touching books on homelessness I've read. (Not that I've read all that many...) Fr. Smith gives so much insight into who is behind that easily ignored person on the street, asking for change. I was moved to tears more than once. ...more

Jul 23, 2008 Becca rated it really liked it

Also known as: "why the Jesuits are the best and most relevant". Read it to know why you (or me) is Jesuit educated and remember why Catholicism has such staying power -- it's because of guys like Gary Smith. Also known as: "why the Jesuits are the best and most relevant". Read it to know why you (or me) is Jesuit educated and remember why Catholicism has such staying power -- it's because of guys like Gary Smith. ...more

Apr 16, 2008 Maddy rated it really liked it

Recommended to Maddy by: Stephanie Barr

Stories of service and accompaniment set in Portland, OR, SROs, written by a Jesuit. Read it a while ago, but the stories were both heartbreaking and uplifting. A quick read, but not recommended as such, take your time.

Jul 17, 2020 Michael Spence rated it really liked it

A touching work of Humanity that will leave you a better person than you were before reading.

This book was very interesting. I recommend it to those who are curious about what working with the poor is really about.

Jan 29, 2017 Kate rated it really liked it

Provocative and moving. If civic leaders and churches alike would read this, we could change the face of mental illness, poverty and homelessness.

Dec 15, 2009 John rated it really liked it

From Lindsay to me and a lesson in love for all people.

Jul 29, 2008 Stephanie B rated it it was amazing

This book challenged and exhausted me. This priest's simple works and filled with love and courage. His narrative is engaging, poetic, and compassionate. This book challenged and exhausted me. This priest's simple works and filled with love and courage. His narrative is engaging, poetic, and compassionate. ...more

Amazing. Emotionally, spiritually, and socially challenging. Highly recommended to all

Let's face it: Being cooped up inside during the pandemic has left a lot of us searching for a sense of connection with one another. Memoirs...

"It is true that the church must be in many places and with many people, but it is the poor who will reveal to the church—dramatically and poignantly—the nature of its heart and mission." — 1 likes

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