"Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me." Matthew 25:40
Several years ago Canadian sculptor, Timothy Schmalz, created a life-sized image of Jesus as a homeless man, reclining on a bench. His feet protrude from his blanket and his bare feet are pierced by nail-holes, reminders of the crucifixion. It is a powerful representation of Christ's identification with "the least of these" and the importance of our compassion toward those we might be inclined to pass by. The statue has been recast a number of times and can be found in places around the world, including the Vatican.
A few days ago one of these sculptures was installed outside an Episcopal (Anglican) church in an affluent suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, and almost immediately someone phoned the police to report the vagrant. This has happened elsewhere, sometimes out of genuine concern, and sometimes because the caller expects that the homeless person be removed.
The priest of the congregation wanted the piece to provoke conversation and it obviously has, with widespread media coverage and plenty of social media attention. Father Martin says that the police officer who responded was respectful and interested, and the general response from the community has been positive.
When this sculpture was first created I contacted Timothy Schmalz and appreciated his openness during our conversation. He is a devout Christian, a Roman Catholic, and it was deeply meaningful that he met Pope Francis at the Vatican when the first, smaller version of his work was blessed by the pontiff.
Timothy kindly sent me a small version of the sculpture which I have in my study at home. I must confess that I tend to take it for granted, barely noticing as I walk past it. I wiped off the dust before I took the photo, above. It was a reminder that it is so easy not to notice those on the margins of our society, including the homeless, even though they may be close at hand. .
During the pandemic there has been increased discussion of the reality of homelessness as encampments have grown in a number of Canadian cities. There have been promises and announcements about new strategies to address this form of poverty which can be the outcome of joblessness or mental illness or dislocation or all of these. As the cold weather approaches I hope that there is a concerted effort to do what is necessary and moral in response to those who are vulnerable.
May the Christ who walks on wounded feet
walk with you on the road.
May the Christ who serves with wounded hands
stretch out your hands to serve.
May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart
open your hearts to love.
May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet,
and may everyone you meet
see the face of Christ in you. Voices United 349
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