Today’s scripture: John 12:1-9 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Keith Phillips):
At the beginning of this holiday season a photograph of Officer Larry DePrimo, NYPD, went viral. It was a cold night in Times Square, and Officer DePrimo squatted beside a homeless man, gently pulling socks over his blistered feet. The policeman had also bought and given him a pair of warm work boots.
The story reminded me of a quote by Mother Teresa, when asked how she was able to minister to the utterly destitute lepers of Calcutta: “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” Which, in turn, reminds me of Jesus’ conclusions in the parable of the separation of the sheep and the goats: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40, 45).
This is the season of generosity. We are much more likely to respond positively to all manner of financial appeals for all kinds of charities. Spare change, or even a twenty dollar bill, goes into the buckets of bell-ringers, who may or may not represent an organization that discriminates against LGBTQ folk.
There is plenty of giving, and even giving with generosity. But what about giving with humility? What I like best about Officer DePrimo, and about Mary in the Bible story, is the generosity and the humility. In very personal settings, they each gave what they knew the other needed, and did so, in one case, squatting down beside the homeless man and, in the other case, at the feet of Jesus. These are more than acts of generosity; they are personal acts of love, with no thought of return.
At the risk of losing my Humility Award, I must tell you that being a hospice chaplain is the best job in the world, especially at this time of year. Multiple times a day I get to read the Christmas story to older persons with dementia. They like the King James Version best; and even though they can’t remember what they had for lunch a half-hour ago, they brighten up when they hear, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” I get to encourage families to go ahead and decorate for Christmas, even with their loved ones’ hospital bed out in the middle of the living room, and knowing full-well that he or she will probably not live to see Christmas Day. I get to sit beside a minimally responsive patient in the nursing home, who has no family who’ll claim him. Over forty years ago he suffered brain trauma when he was beaten with a tire iron because of his sexual orientation. The perpetrators were known, but never prosecuted. I get to tell him how much God loves him and how special he is. And as I visit as a representative of God, I remind everyone of God with us, Immanuel.
These are the gifts I most enjoy giving, personal and from the heart.
Thought for the day: Each of us is Jesus in disguise.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.