One thing I neglected to mention earlier about TAKE is that there is a third grade class at one of the schools here in Ankeny that collects clothes, and once a year hikes 3 miles...3...miles pulling wagons to donate them. That is pretty incredible. Whereas, I simply threw the clothes in a bag and brought them to the church to be collected with other clothes.
I have never really been much of a clothes horse. I know that will come as a shock to those of you who have witnessed my sense of style. At the same time, I have more clothes than I need, probably some that I don’t ever wear.
In the gospel of Luke’s story of John the Baptist, he is asked by the crowds, “What then should we do?” (This is after he called them a brood of vipers.) To which he responded, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.”
I don’t know why I keep more clothes than I need, especially t-shirts. There are a couple, I suppose, I keep for sentimental reasons. And I have one or two or ten Mickey Mouse shirts. But, when they are all washed I can’t even get the drawer closed without stuffing them down with my hand. Whoever has two coats...
The thing is, John the Baptist’s requirement is easier than Jesus’. Jesus says things like, “If someone asks for your coat, give them your shirt as well.” And, “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor.”
I’ve got a long way to go in following Jesus!
God of justice and mercy, you hear the cry of the poor and answer. Strengthen us that we might share all that we have joyfully. Amen!
Shalom Y’all,
Owen
No comments:
Post a Comment