Reflection is a necessary part of learning about oneself and creating a stronger relationship with God. The first full sentence of this week’s first reading stands out due to it being at the basis in our religion. “Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” It is of utmost importance that we take care of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to be there for each other as much as we are there for ourselves. This passage correlates directly to the clinical rotation I am in for my community nursing class. My group is fulfilling 6 weeks of nursing work (2 days a week) at a local prison. The incarcerated range from those doing petty crimes to those that belong in maximum security. As nurses, we must leave our judgmental bias at the door. As a Catholic, I must go above and beyond with treating these inmates with the same kindness, compassion, and integrity that I would treat anyone else with. I find that it comes with ease to do this since it is the same love St. Francis gave the leper and the same love Jesus gave all. It is unfortunate that a significant portion of the jailed population tends to be homeless, mentally ill, and with no other place to be. Although no one wants to be in a prison, it is a shelter for the oppressed and homeless. They are provided clothes and sufficient amounts of food, which they would not find on the streets. One could easily turn their back on their own by not treating these prisoners the same as everyone else. I am sure some people have the mindset of the incarcerated deserving poor treatment due to their crimes. Will we make any progress in humanity if we do not better those around us? Taking care of one another is essential for survival as a human being. A child could not survive without the care provided by parents and the sick could not survive without the help of healthcare workers. Make it your duty to be kind to others; be kind to the homeless, be kind to the mentally ill, and most importantly, be kind to those who are cruel.