When one thinks of Jesus, a first image might be of a man who is smiling, carrying a small lamb on his shoulders. For those coming from a sheepherder tradition, it’s obviously an image of pride. And, of course, another image is of a man who gave everything for us, on a cross.
A sculpture titled “Homeless Jesus” by Timothy P. Schmalz in San Antonio Texas, not on any major crossroads nor advertised in any of the many visitor brochures, is a complete surprise to anyone who stumbles across it.
It depicts Jesus as a person sleeping under a blanket on a park bench.
Friends and Neighbors in Need (FaNiN) is a new nonprofit in our community addressing the emergency needs of our most vulnerable.
The faith-based communities of the Community United Methodist Church, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and the Pagosa Catholic Community are stepping into this space.
In that context, the words on the “Homeless Jesus” plaque: “In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me” Matthew 25:40, draw one to sit on the bench and without effort, begin to wonder, “Who is Under that blanket?”
The St. Vincent de Paul Society has been looking under the blanket for over 200 years, and in doing so provide guidance to us. We receive a weekly thought for contemplation, and in this week, the question is not “Would you like to help?” but rather “Would you like to meet Jesus?”
FaNiN, with its newest initiative of family advocacy, would be honored to provide an introduction.
FaNiN has looked under the blanket and have found a new need, beyond emergency services. Advocacy by no means is easy, but even the smallest effort makes a difference.
The group supporting family advocacy will be providing brunch for the purpose of raising funds for family advocacy starting at 10 a.m., after the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 17, at the Pope John Paul II Catholic Church Narthex at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd. Brunch will also be available at the Narthex from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., after the 11:15 a.m. Mass.
One might think of this as “help,” but your effort is enabling this group to look under the blanket. And, while you may not be ready for frontline advocacy, you are in fact making a difference.
Come by to enjoy some great food and know you are enabling advocacy and being introduced.
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