March 9

A cup of reality

John 4:17,18 The Samaritan woman answered, “I have no husband.” Jesus replied, “That’s right. You have had five husbands and the man you have now isn’t your husband. What you’ve said is true.”

A week ago I spoke at a gathering of people who, one might say, are at the edge of society. The once-a-week meeting, sponsored by a few churches, consists of a few songs, a message, some conversation, and a hot meal. Some who come are dealing with drug and alcohol addictions. Many are homeless. For a few of them this meeting is their ‘church night.’ Some come to meet with friends in a warm place. Others come for the meal.

As the meeting began I noticed one young man at my table singing with great joy. I assumed he was a ‘regular’ and was surprised to find it was his first time. Daniel said, “I’ve realized that churches do a lot for people who are struggling so I’m checking out the different programs.” Daniel told me he had experienced two contrasting approaches from church groups: “Some bully you and shove their message down your throat. Other places, like this, treat you like a person and encourage you. I’m definitely coming back here.”

The Samaritan woman had some real problems in her life, but Jesus focused on the little bit of truth she had offered. He honored her for taking that step. He told her that worshipping God was based on being vulnerable and honest: spirit and truth. He didn’t speak with her as a Samaritan woman or a sinner. He treated her like someone who could understand a deep, spiritual truth. He treated her like someone who knew what it was to thirst for wholeness, love, and acceptance. As Daniel said, Jesus treated her like a person.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my evening with the homeless, but it turned out to be such an enjoyable time. I tried to honor them by speaking on a relevant topic in a concise fashion. They honored me with their vulnerable conversation. They looked past the obvious differences and treated me as if I was not an outsider. And in that crowded, little room we worshipped God with our singing, our conversation, and a hot meal – in spirit and in truth.