Working with homeless people has taught me about the vulnerability of God. A God who announces his kingdom under the shadow of empire, violence, and oppression while riding atop a borrowed donkey. As I was walking to church on Sunday morning, prepared to preach, serve communion, and pray with and for the congregation, I saw my homeless friend Steven. He was asleep in the doorway where he usually finds rest and shelter. As I approached, three middle school age boys pulled up on scooters. I had a bad feeling in my stomach but didn’t want to jump to any conclusions. As I got closer, one young kid pulled his pants down, laughed, and urinated on my friend. I yelled, they laughed again and sped away. I bent down and asked Steven if he was ok, if he wanted a coffee. He said he was fine and that he would see me at church. Steven came to church. The Elders that were in charge of the slides were late. I preached on the Good Shepherd, that God is a God that leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one, rejoicing when we realize we are worth being found.

Michael Cox