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Devotion for March 12 by Shelly Saunders

Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”  Matthew 25: 37-40

I was meeting my friend Julia at a downtown church for a concert.  I arrived first, alone.  As I walked, a woman with fresh bruises on her face asked me for money.  I was too scared of her, and of whoever had hurt her.  I moved on, quickly.  After I met up with Julia, we stepped out to get a bite to eat.  On the way, we met the same woman, and she again asked for money.   Julia reached in her coat pocket, gave the woman her only money, a $20 bill, and started talking.  “God loves you, dear,” she said. “I’m so sorry that someone is hurting you. I hope you find a safe place to be real soon.  Do you need anything else?” Julia was rummaging in her pockets. “Gum?  Here’s a quarter.”  Then she gave her a big hug.  Julia lives in poverty.  I asked her how she could give someone her last $20, when it would likely end up in the hands of the abuser.  She said, “Oh, honey, God probably gave me that $20 for her. “ And so, Julia gave Jesus back his 20 bucks – plus a stick of gum and a quarter.  
Compassionate Lord, help us to recognize you in the people we meet.  Help us to devise creative and sustaining ways to serve our neighbors humbly, as we would you, with love and gratitude.