When Jesus was Homeless

Jesus on the Mount of Olives --Paul Gaugin

1 Jesus Christ is waiting, waiting in the streets;
no one is his neighbour, all alone he eats.
*Listen, Lord Jesus, I am lonely too.
Make me, friend or stranger, fit to wait on you.

2 Jesus Christ is raging, raging in the streets,
where injustice spirals and real hope retreats.
*Listen, Lord Jesus, I am angry too.
In the Kingdom's causes let me rage with you.

Jesus Christ is Waiting Voices United 117

Today is the beginning of Passover for Jews around the world and along with the intrinsic importance of this celebration of deliverance it reminds Christians that Yeshua, Jesus, was in Jerusalem during the final days of his life to be an observant Jew. 

It's likely that Jesus and the disciples "slept rough" those few nights, camping out amidst the olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane. This is an important reminder in the midst of a health crisis which represents an acute challenge for the homeless in our communities, as well as those who provide support for them. Whether they are couch-surfing with friends, or sleeping in encampments out-of-doors, or availing themselves of shelters, those without stable housing are particularly vulnerable to contagious illnesses, including COVID-19. Clsoe proximity in shelters or lack of proper hygiene can result in infection at the best of times. 

Municipalities, along with a variety of agencies and faith communities are scrambling to provide support for the homeless in the midst of many other pressing concerns. While out for a morning "virtuous cycle" I met a friend who is very involved in providing meals for those who are food insecure, and with addressing issues around homelessness in our community. He spoke about the bind for those who are also precariously housed. Where do they go in the midst of an all-encompassing health crisis? We see that those who have been reasonably stable are struggling to deal with the "new normal." What if every day is a struggle for food and shelter and mental health?

He also mentioned that this crisis has brought to the fore the general lack of coordination between agencies which provide different forms of support for the poor and the indigent. They are all doing their best with what they have but too often they are siloed from one another. He made the observation that it should be a priority to house people so they don't get sick rather than wait until they're ill and then treat them. Makes sense to me.

To our lengthening prayer lists we might add those who are homeless and hungry and hoping that someone is paying attention. And we can pray for those who are paying attention, as best they can. 

3 Jesus Christ is healing, healing in the streets;
curing those who suffer, touching those he greets.
*Listen, Lord Jesus, I have pity too.
Let my care be active, healing just like you.

4 Jesus Christ is dancing, dancing in the streets,
where each sign of hatred he, with love, defeats.
*Listen, Lord Jesus, I should triumph too.
On suspicion's graveyard let me dance with you.

5 Jesus Christ is calling, calling in the streets,
'Who will join my journey? I will guide their feet.'
*Listen, Lord Jesus, let my fears be few.

Walk one step before me; I will follow you.