Читать книгу Almost Christmas Devotions for the Season - Ingrid McIntyre - Страница 4

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Do I so far practice justice, mercy, and truth, as even the world requires?

On a recent trip to the local Starbucks, I encountered a couple who looked like they needed something. Actually it looked like they needed more than just something—they looked sad, wearied, and weak. As I passed them, my heart began tugging within me. Moments later I would learn more about them, as they soon called me over and explained their predicament.

Now I have to admit that this seems to happen to me often. I love meeting people and hearing their stories, and like a parent or grandparent I always want to be helpful to those I encounter. But sometimes, it is different. Sometimes, like this time, it is much more than a mere desire to be helpful. It is a certain conviction that I am looking straight into the eyes of Jesus.

As I sat with this couple, learned their names, and heard their story, the presence of Jesus became even clearer. They had not had a meal in a few days and all they wanted was a few dollars to get a little something at the convenience store across the street. I invited them to come in and have breakfast at Starbucks on me. They were both surprised; tears fell on their cheeks and gratitude came to the surface. We stood in line and ordered, and then waited patiently together. As we waited, we shared more stories of life, of how we ended up at Starbucks that day, and about our faith.

When their food arrived, I hugged each of them and we went our separate ways.

Whenever I tell this story or relate others like it, the same question comes up nearly every time: How do you know that you are actually helping a person, and that they are not just taking advantage of you?

As we begin this Advent journey of preparation, John Wesley gives us a different question—a simple yet profound one. “Do I so far practice justice, mercy, and truth, as even the world requires?” Or to put it another way, Do we practice justice, mercy, and truth at the most basic human level?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us not to judge others. He challenges us to pay attention to our own attitudes and motivations and not to be so concerned with the failures of others. He then reminds us to ask for what we need: “If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). We can be bold to ask God for what we need, knowing that God will provide for what is best. Even earthly, non-perfect parents would do that.

We should take Jesus’ teaching here to heart as an example of the justice, mercy, and truth that even the world requires. Even imperfect parents will respond to the need of a child in front of them.

Returning to the couple I met in Starbucks: How do I know that I’m not being taken advantage of ? My response is that it doesn’t matter. In fact, I don’t know—there are no guarantees that I will give to an urgent need. But I do know that if I were in their situation, I would want to receive the help I need, the just thing, the merciful response, and the truth of the situation. That is how I would want anyone to approach me, so why would I not do the same? I can respond to the need in front of me, leaving the outcome to God.

As you begin this Advent journey, pay attention to the ways that God shows up in your life. Today at every possible moment do justice, practice mercy, and reveal truth in the most basic, easy, and human way. It is in this small step that our souls find renewal, that our hearts prepare to receive the Christ Child, and that others can see a star in the east.

Maybe this year Christ will be born in a Starbucks instead of a stable!

Rev. Juan Huertas