Welcome to Wondering Wednesday. You are encouraged to use this as personal devotion and reflection. You are encouraged to hop on the church Facebook page or Instagram page and wonder with others.
Read… Spend some time with teaching of Jesus: Luke 18:1-8
I attended Seminary in New York City. It was an amazing experience being out in the fast-paced city. Even though I was from a location that tended to greet, or at least acknowledge, passerby’s I had quickly adapted to the head down fast walking culture that was dominant in Manhattan. I had also gotten accustomed to ignoring the people lacking permanent shelter along every New York Street. I had perfected the art of responding to people yet not really listening to what those on the streets were asking from me. Really, I had ceased to notice the face of God in the people around me.
One day while moving quickly through a crosswalk a man started talking to me. I responded that I didn’t have any money and kept moving. He shouted at me, that he wasn’t even going to ask for money. I stopped embarrassed and turned to listen closely to what he was saying. He just wanted to offer a compliment as he had seen me a few times around the block. I never would have compared myself to the unjust judge, yet there I was prejudging without even taking the time to listen.
Frequently, when thinking about those who are experiencing homelessness, we understand generosity to be the sharing of a few coins, or dollars received when leaving a store. Sometimes we may leave food, tents, some clothes, and while all those things are important and useful how often are we generously listening? Do we just assume that what those experiencing homelessness most want from us is money? Not to imply that tangible resources are not necessary but to recognize that listening to people is an act of generosity. To give of one’s time, to respect the reflection of the face of God is an act of generosity, an act of justice.
Wonder … How do your acts of generosity respect the dignity of every human being?
Pray… Holy God, open my heart and mind. Help me to be a good steward. Amen.
Written by The Rev. Glenna Huber, the rector of Church of the Epiphany in the District of Columbia, a congregation with a long-standing primary ministry with those experiencing homelessness.
