Jesus demonstrates who he is through the embrace and welcome of the vulnerable. “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it (Mark 14b-15 NRSV).” While I am reading this story at our community dinner, I notice a man who regularly attends who is usually angry and aggressive. Tonight, he is calm and peaceful! Thank God! When I finish sharing the story someone yells, “Hey pastor Mike, someone needs to talk with you outside.” I would love to say that my heart leapt with joy and expectation at the request, but my first thought was, “Oh man, what crazy drama am I going to have to deal with now.” I calmed my breath and walked slowly through the side door to the street, thanking God. My friend Rose is there, standing over her broken walker crying. She was in the hospital for five weeks; her belongings all stolen by her “friend.” She tells me that she wants to end her life and sobs about how her only photos of her kids were taken. “Why would someone steal those from me?” As Rose sobs, we lament about the injustice and cruelty of the world. We are interrupted by other homeless people who want to either see if everything is ok or insert themselves into a crisis. I put my arm around Rose and listen while she cries. I pray for hope, peace, and the restoration and recovery of all things lost or stolen. Rose smiles, eyes swollen and red from tears, laughs, and tells me she just needed to see my face. Someone asks me if I can open the front door with the wheelchair ramp access for another woman who needs to leave. I tell Rose I’ll be right back with a meal. When I return, she is gone. Transformed and renewed, overwhelmed by suffering and God’s love.

Michael Cox