Day 11 - Waiting in the streets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RD_Khf1_aURfc&v=_Khf1_aURfc

Outside St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral on Leith Walk in Edinburgh lies a figure on a bench. It is all too easy to walk past, seeing this as yet another homeless person sleeping on the street.

But wait. The figure, wrapped in a blanket and with its face covered, is a life-size bronze statue. “Sleeping Jesus” by the sculptor Timothy Schmaltz, was installed in 2024 and was inspired by the words in Matthew 25: 40: “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” A plaque beside the statue invites us to see Christ in those who are homeless, hungry or forgotten, and reminds us that every act of kindness to those in need is an act of love for Christ himself.

[credit: “Sleeping Jesus” by Timothy Schmalts, 2024]

I had already chosen the hymn Jesus Christ is waiting as the basis for this ASecludedPlace reflection when I saw this statue a few days ago, but it seems a perfect visual metaphor for the words written by John Bell and Graham Maule.

“Jesus Christ is waiting,

Waiting in the streets;

No one is his neighbour,

All alone he eats.”

These beautiful and haunting lyrics lift Jesus, literally and figuratively, from the streets of first century Palestine and the pages of the New Testament. We are reminded that Jesus is walking among us today. He is waiting all alone, seeking someone to befriend him. He is raging at the injustice he sees in the world. He is healing and caring for those around him. He is celebrating (and dancing!) where love triumphs over hate.

The Jesus we see in the words of the hymn is helping to run the local food bank and befriending the homeless person and the stranger. He is joining the rally to protest against injustice. He is visiting the person in prison. He is searching out ways to practically help and care for whoever he meets.

But (and yes, there is always a “but”), the words of the hymn remind us that Jesus cannot do this alone. He is waiting for you and me to walk alongside him. He needs us to share his anger in the fight against injustice. He needs us to actively care for those around us. In short, he wants you and me to stare hatred in the face and defeat it with love.

Jesus is asking us to step out of our comfort zones, face our fears, and be his witnesses in our streets today. It’s a daunting prosect and not a little scary. But the final verse gives us reassurance. Jesus will guide us on our journey, always alongside us and yet also always just one step ahead.

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.

Philip Clarke