It’s not often I get to be so overt about the intertwining of scripture and politics, but this administration has opened the door. So, sit down friends, and let me tell you a story….
Once upon a time, Senly decided to spend a day wandering the city. First stop was a cute little coffee shop. Scripture and crosses adorned the walls and Senly was glad, assured of welcome.
Seated with a warm cup of tea and a scone, Senly gazed out the window, watching people of all sorts walking by, some confident, some fearful, most alone. Eventually one person paused and met Senly’s eyes through the glass. Senly smiled and watched as the person entered the shop, nudging the second chair at the table so it opened with welcome.
Before the new visitor joined Senly, they stopped at the counter, whispering to the proprietor. Both looked at Senly, then the proprietor nodded in agreement. Senly grinned and nudged a third chair from the table, grateful for the anticipated company.
Today was the first day after the election, and Senly wanted to share their joy with the new president’s other fans. Smile wide, Senly stood as they approached, gesturing towards the welcoming chairs.
The visitor laughed. “You are from the poor side of town, why would I, a man of great wealth, join you at table.”
The proprietor laughed. “You are not of my kind. Why would I, the owner of this establishment, continue to serve you.”
“We demand that you leave.”
Senly gaped.
“But I serve the poor. Surely they have dignity too.
“And we serve the same God. Surely we agree on the greatest commandment of all.”
The visitor and the proprietor laughed once more. “No longer, Priest. You are not one of us. We believe in a God who rewards the righteous. We believe in a God who is gracious to the deserving. Those who lack wealth lack faith. And those without faith are not useful to us.”
Senly rose, understanding that the word Christian no longer meant what it had for so long.
That only some Christians loved Jesus and followed his example. That only some Christians loved God and neighbor. That only some Christians followed Jesus’ greatest call to care for the poor and the vulnerable.
Most importantly, Senly understood that because Love costs, love means nothing to those who hold power over everything.
Leaving the tea and the scone behind, Senly exited the coffee shop, wondering at how the beauty of the shop’s exterior belied the blackness of heart found inside.
Around the corner, Senly found another shop, this one tucked into a dark alley yet filled with colorful food and colorful art and colorful people.
But Senly was worried that they were not welcome, that their priestly collar would bar entrance to such a place. Senly looked through the glass and met eyes with a man who rushed to open the door wide.
“Come in, little chick. Come gather under my wing as a hen gathers her young. Come. Rejoice. You are among your people now. For we know that God is love.”
Inspired by Matthew 23: Jesus’s Denunciation of the Scribes and the Pharisees
Photo by Michael Anfang on Unsplash
god forever tries 
Thank you for the story. It meant a lot to me. I am feeling such despair right now that every little bit of community and communion with like-minded souls helps so much! ~ Kathy M.
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Lovely. Thank you for sharing this modern parable.
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