Radical Compassion: Finding Christ in the Heart of the Poor

by Gary N. Smith

Loving the Unloved of Society “I realize that God brought me into this world, blessed with skills and talents. The only thing that makes sense to me is to use them in the service of the poor. It is at their feet that I find myself.”
For almost ten years, Gary Smith, S.J., lived and worked among the poor of Portland, Oregon. With this memoir, he invites us to walk with him and meet some of the abandoned, over-looked, and forgotten members of our society with whom he has shared his life. Just as Smith found a deeper, truer understanding of himself and of the heart of God through his work, these people and their stories stand to transform us. “Although its subject matter is bleak, the book is not. Smith has found love amid the despair. His book is touching, at times hopeful, and the kind of book that is hard to put down, that fascinates, horrifies, and rivets one’s attention.”
— Booklist  “Smith takes us where we would rather not go, the heart of the poor, the lonely, and the abandoned. In true Ignatian fashion, he finds God there. An unforgettable experience for those who have the courage to walk with him.”
—Michael L. Cook, S.J.
Professor of theology
Gonzaga University “Smith performs modern-day miracles of compassion, and his book sets a new standard for writing about the rich faith of those who are materially poor. His stirring prose and utter honesty will change the hearts and minds of many readers.”
—Gerald T. Cobb, S.J.
Chair, department of English
Seattle University

Genres: Social Justice, Faith, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Memoir

191 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Laureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Smith is a Jesuit priest who lived among the poor in Portland for a time. This book was published in 2002 but is still so relevant today. It is a series of diary entries of the people he met and it is so moving and he is a great writer. At this time cocaine was the big drug and he tells how extremely difficult it id to overcome a cocaine addiction. There are a few glimmers of those who have succeeded, but mostly people who can’t escape drugs, alcohol and extreme poverty. You would think it is totally depressing, but I was so surprised at all the good helpers and so many of the poor who were good people and tried their best. It was interesting that all the troubled people he spoke about came from bad family situations. Supporting families is so important. I think I should read this every year. “if you ever look into a homeless person’s eyes, don’t judge them, just say something nice.” Eddie, a homeless man

[Dan Nuxoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lisa Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Philip Palios · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ellyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[J.C. Hurtado-Prater · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy Jurss · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[mg · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Stephanie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Laurie Canaan]

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

[Hillary]

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

[Laurie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of my guys -- of course I love it!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Michael Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

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