Jesus In Disguise
Years ago I was in Morro Bay, CA, with my family and relatives. As always, the women gathered to shop the local garden gift store while the men sat outside to wait for us.
Curious what the men were up to, I wandered outside and found them sitting on benches in the shade, chatting and people-watching. My father asked me, "Will the ladies be much longer?"
I laughed. "Who knows?" I said, sitting beside him to wait.
A little while later, a homeless man stopped in front of all of us to ask a question. I don't remember what that question was but I tried to politely answer him. This led to a longer conversation between the two of us. The others looked away, not wanting to engage.
When the man finally left, my father turned to look at me and asked,
"Why do you always do that?"
"Do what?" I asked
"Talk to those people."
I looked at my Dad in surprise and said,
"You know why, Dad. It's Jesus in disguise."
He burst out laughing and replied, "I guess you're right, honey!"
🌿
This simple lesson was learned long ago at St. Anne's School in Porterville, CA. It comes from one of the most basic teachings of almost all our faiths...
Love your neighbor as yourself.
So, we'd better watch out. Jesus may be showing up disguised in the faces of those we throw into detention centers, into "alligator prisons" or cast into the shadows of despair. We may not recognize Him...but He will surely recognize us.