When I see the man holding the
Homeless sign, or the familiar woman
Manning her post by McDonald's, I'm
Skeptical.
They look able bodied.
How can they stoop to ask for a handout?
But one of Jesus' stories gives me
Pause.
He described a beggar who sat
Destitute outside a rich man's house.
When the poor man died he was
Carried to paradise.
The wealthy ruler, however, ended up in
Torment begging for a drop of
Water.
The men's roles were reversed.
Who could have guessed their ends?
When I encounter the panhandlers in
My community I must withhold my
Judgment.
Only God knows their hearts and their
Fates.
I pray that I can show as much respect for
The ones begging as for those who are
Handing out the dollar bills.
(Jesus' story is found in Luke 16:19-31)