More than just Godly thinking

 For me it is time to take a break from the more intellectual pursuit of understanding scripture and concentrate on what is practical.

             A friend of mine, who is an atheist, and I were out for a drive. These are great times, reminiscent of the two old guys in the theatre box on the Muppets Show. We are arguing religion, I realize that I am target for such discussions. I make a comment that for me, prayer is action. Thus, if I see a person who is hungry, I can either pray for them, or take the person a sandwich. He disagrees with me, and I know he is using a very narrow definition of prayer that is often reflected in our worship. I also know that prayer alone does not fill an empty stomach.

  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one

 of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Matt 25.40

             It amazes me, and I include myself in this, that when we say “All things were created in him” we exclude ourselves. We are all an expression of the divine. Further, we are told that where ever two are gathered in his name, he is there. Let me provide an example, so please don’t stop reading.

          I was parked in front of the local Walmart the other day, as the Feisty One went in to shop. There was a homeless guy sitting by the front door. I have seen him there a number of times. He was not begging, just sitting, People on their own initiative would bring food and drink. It is heart warming to see this happen. We need to be aware that given the current economy we are all about two days away from being in his position.

           While this is going on an Uber deposits an old lay in front of the store. She is unsteady on her feet, so she shuffles over the side of the building and puts a hand on the wall. Then she starts looking around. I know all too well what she is doing. When I was less stable on my feet, I would look for a shopping cart and use it as a walker. The homeless guy yells, “Let me get you a shopping cart.”

          The Walmart requires a dollar deposit on its shopping carts. So the homeless guy, plugs a loonie in and brings her a cart. She thanks him, and there is a small exchange, I am not sure if she gave him a loonie or not. The woman shuffles into the store, and the homeless guy goes and sits down. Enter a third person, a man, who walks up to the homeless guy. I can hear the conversation as the third person in this scenario thanks the homeless man, and gives him a handful of change. This is what is right in the world. Three people, all act with love and compassion towards each other.

         I, for one, am tired of spirituality being presented as “Personal Righteousness” and “Purity.” I really don’t think we understand those words anyway. While Jesus would have been the embodiment of “Personal Righteousness" and “Purity” it was how he treated people that was and is remarkable. This emphasis on spirituality as being the “best I can be” is bullshit unless it changes how you are with the person right in front of you. (This is still an area that I struggle, most often when I am driving.)

            It is recognizing that we, you, I, and the guy I don’t like, are all “created in him.” We have this idea that acts of compassion and love need to be grandiose to count. I don’t agree. If we all could be like the three people in Walmart how much better the planet would be.

            Anyways, that is my opinion.