A Thought For The Week Of December 19, 2016

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7) I came across an article in the news today about Patapsco United Methodist Church in Dundalk, Maryland. It seems that over the years the church grounds had become a place where homeless people slept. The congregation is small (about 50 people on a Sunday) and as a result somewhat limited as to what they can do to help the poor and homeless, but decided that allowing their property to be used in such a way was in keeping with Christian love and charity. Not long ago, the pastor of the church found a notice on the door from the local municipal authorities telling them to evict the homeless people and refuse to allow them to sleep on the property (it was a residential neighbourhood, and the neighbours objected) or be fined $12000. There's no word on what the church plans to do, although they note that a $12000 fine would be difficult for them to pay. It's ironic that this story made the news just as Christmas is fast approaching. Mary and Joseph had no place to stay. The innkeeper found them a place in a stable. Not luxury accommodation - but the best he could do. In spite of the fact that he's often looked down upon, the innkeeper is actually an example of sorts. He did what he could. This church in Dundalk is doing what they can. The church everywhere is called to do what it can. The world has a tendency to look down upon the poor and homeless. We'd much rather sweep them out of the way and pretend that they're not there. And we certainly don't want them in "our" neighbourhoods. But perhaps we need to reflect just a bit about the Christmas story - and about Jesus' teaching that "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me." If the church can help, the church should help. If there's a price to be paid - well, Jesus never told us that living out our faith in him would be easy or that there would be no price attached. "Take up your cross and follow me" suggests that being a disciple of Jesus has a huge price tag attached. The world is full of such desperate need. Find a way to show love to those who desperately need love. If those who think they aren't worthy of that love object - well, just wish them a merry Christmas and go about your work of sharing the love of Jesus with all.