September 25, Ordinary 26C (Luke 16:19–31)

I visited a church where large courtyards and breezeways create a protective haven for a handful of people experiencing homelessness who sleep there each night. Nestled alongside walls in the cold months and in the shade in the summer, the small community seems to find a measure of comfort. By an agreement forged with the church’s leaders, they arrive after the workday ends and leave the next morning before it begins. As they gather their few possessions each day, a church member distributes simple bag lunches to carry with them.

The arrangement has worked so well that more people are seeking shelter on the church’s property. Unfortunately, a rift is developing between the church and some neighbors who do not want the church’s overnight guests so close to their homes. Hoping that familiarity might bridge the gap, the pastor invites neighbors to meet them and learn their names. Still, complaints have rolled in to the city council, which has formed a task force to “look into the homeless problem.”

Recently a local resident posted on social media: “You know you’re from here if you’ve never seen a person who is homeless.” Is this post intended to be ironic? Or does it represent the writer’s lack of awareness? In either case, it is an indictment of people who turn away from the plight of their unhoused neighbors or refuse to recognize their need.