Last night I spoke at Tribe L A. They asked me to just share whatever was on my heart. Well, what was on my heart, was to share this story about meeting Jesus on the train. And to talk about perception.
In Mattew 25 Jesus says that in the great judgement at the end of days, people will be judged not on their theology, but on how they treat those that are poor, oppressed and marginalized. But Jesus does an interesting thing, he confronts our perceptions.
There are so many people that don't really care about helping others. That only look out for themselves. But the vast majority actually do believe in helping those that deserve it. The deserving poor, should be helped. Those that fell through the cracks, or are experiencing problems not of their own making. If our perception is that they deserve help we will help.
But what if they don't "deserve" help. What if they are poor because of their own issues, their own bad decisions? Why should we help those people?
Well Jesus changes our perception. Jesus doesn't allow us to view from deserving, or undeserving, but makes us view things based on our view of Him. We are called to recognize in each and every person, the presence of Christ. Each and every person, is where God and heaven touches earth. And how we respond to these people, is the truth of our faith. How you treat these least of these, is how you actually are treating God in flesh.
Perception is the key, and Christ changes our perception
rev
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3 comments:
this is an interesting line of thought. Not sure I agree with the mystical aspect anymore...but There are some regular drug addicts that come into the footscray ED that get alot of care from the staff and others, well...dont. Even though the medical/nursing mandate is to be completely impartial at all times I think its true though that our perception is what drives much of our interactions with the world. And whats even more interesting is that this is malliablle and subject to change over time
Amen! Our politicians over here are increasingly creeping into this language of "deserving" and "undeserving" poor, although they don't actually call it that and it is horrible. Behind each one of us and where we're at is a story and a human being.
I'm ashamed to say it wasn't something I much noticed until I became ill. At times here it feels like just being ill or disabled makes you undeserving
Hey Rev!
You've got some fans in New Orleans... Thanks for telling it like it is! Next time you're hanging out with the good people of Tribe, give Debs Hirsch a hug from Communitas (you can give Alan one, too). And if you ever have an itch to visit the Big Easy, you've got a place to stay!
Much love bro,
Adam
www.adamorion.wordpress.com
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