Who Would Have Thunk?

am listening to Jerry Springer On the Radio and he is quoting the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures! Oh, My. I am kind of amazed, but very pleased. Actually, it is making my day! Isaiah, Micah, Matthew . . .

Today Springer is upset about a new law in Las Vegas that makes it illegal to give food to homeless persons in public parks! He is saying that this is not about major feedings but also applies to someone who may hand their own sandwich to someone with less. There are similar laws around the country--Springer mentions Orlando.

I must share Springer's wonderment at what kind of people make these laws. Are they religious? Have they any ethics? Are they still HUMAN?!? I shudder at the answers. It shatters my faith in humanity.

It makes me think though. A large segment of our society, especially those currently in political power are people who believe that if the world comes to an end, which they say it inevitably will, then Jesus will return. I do not subscribe to the idea that we need to bring the world to the brink of destruction in order to set the stage for (bribe) Jesus to return. I also think it is more than stupidity and folly to think that the Creator of the Universe can be bribed. If God could be bribed, don't you think that human beings would have figured out how to do that long ago? It is a completely ridiculous concept!

Laws against caring for the poor make me wonder. . . If Jesus did return, would we even notice? . . . Long ago people used to practice hospitality. When it was believed that gods walked the earth, it was basic the building block of society that people offered housing and food to those in need or wondering through because one never knew if the person they helped may be God or and Angel of God. Hospitality is the fundamental law of the Hebrew Scriptures and the radical revival of hospitality is at the crux of much the Christian Scriptures. If Jesus were to return to modern society and preach the way we are told that he does in scripture . . . would we arrest Jesus for feeding the four thousand? What about the five thousand? Thirty years ago Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during the struggle to bring civil rights to African Americans and social justice to the poor. Have we really come upon another time, when clergy and people of faith must face arrest to practice the teaching of their religion? Has society digressed so far that we cannot out of our faith show the simple hospitality that was standard ethical behavior thousands of years ago?

Perhaps the reason I am writing this blog is that Springer has touched upon a notion that is personal and timely for me. Three nights ago, a church member knocked on my door at 10:00 p.m. He has been looking for a place to rent but has not found a new place yet. He asked to stay. Of course! My husband and I share a large four bedroom with two other adults, so I checked with our roommates, and no one minded. We let him stay. After our church member stayed a second night, I was confronted by one upset roommate who asked how long our guest might stay and told me that our offering hospitality, by means of a fold out couch, to one in need was disrespectful of our roommates space. Huh? I still do not get it. However, the tone in which it was said was not respectful, and my husband came in from the garage to be sure I was not the further target of harsh words. Shortly thereafter, I saw first hand how "radical" hospitality could really incite those who think they do not need the kindness of others to anger and hostility. Who would have thought that hospitality could incite hostility?

I never did. But, true to Springer fashion . . . our furniture was picked up--not by us--and put outside to be beaten by the elements, words were said, and I cringed in the garden fearing my husband may have to take the brunt of another's angry blow. So, until further notice about half of our furniture has been safely locked up in storage, to avoid damage. The house looks empty, and feels inhospitable to us and any angel who may come to the door. Although it broke my heart, another person in need has been turned out for their and our own safety. Luckily, our guest had other church members to stay with. Who would have thought things could ever happen like this? Who would have ever thought a Jerry Springer fight would come in to my home? Who would have thought I have found a Springer fight worth fighting?


P.S. Happy Birthday Dad.