What would Jesus do?

I own an invisible poke stick; it gives me the power to hit a special nerve in people whenever I chose to do so. I have the ability to piss people off with just one remark or a short sentence. It’s a gift or a curse -depends on how you look at it.

Last night I went to a neighborhood meeting and left there knowing that I had upset 99% of the people there, and I did that with just one question. I am either a bitch or a genius!

We have a small park in between our houses, it’s very well hidden within our backyards. It’s a small space that’s only used by neighbors who live close by. I walk there every morning with our dogs, the walkway around is only 1.2  miles, and I often wonder if I am the only one using it.

The other night, when I closed or blinds, I saw three sheriff cars down the road on our street. I didn’t think much of it; it’s the house of an older gentleman who is slowly losing his memory. I know his wife is often forced to call the cops when he -or his manners- got lost again.

I arrived at the neighborhood meeting when it was already in full swing. Not much going on in our neighborhood these days. We talked about the neighborhood watch and the snow shoveling rules. Then they went on talking about the (old) new church, that will be reopened this weekend.

I mentioned the police cars and was informed that a homeless guy had been sleeping in our park at night. They wanted him removed from the park because a homeless guy does not fit in our perfect, little world.

They were outraged by the idea that a man in need could be sleeping on a bench in our park. 10 minutes earlier they had talked about fixing up the church more; they had volunteered money and time for a building to preach and pray in.

Now they stood there and showed cruelty toward a stranger; a man who happens to not have a home at this time. I found the situation so grotesque and bizarre. I just couldn’t help it, I had to ask that question:

“What would Jesus do?”

With that, I dropped a bomb. There was silence, some blushed a bit, others got angry. I didn’t say much after that; smiled, grabbed my jacket and left. I have no idea what went on afterward, but I hope I made them rethink their stand about the man who is sleeping in the park -but deep inside I know better.

Below is the picture of a sculpture depicting Jesus as a homeless person in North Carolina. I wish I could afford it and put it into our park.

The piece by Christian artist Timothy P. Schmalz was given to St Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson by residents who wanted to honor a fellow church member, who passed away in 2007.

And even before its arrival, it caused divided reactions. Some even called the police, thinking it was a real man.

Already versions of the sculpture, entitled ‘Homeless Jesus’, were rejected by cathedrals in New York and Canada, but last November Pope Francis blessed and accepted it into Vatican City. (Source: Daily Mail)