namaste

when paul writes, "i have been crucified with Christ and i no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (gal. 2:20), he meant it. over and over, the dying and the lepers would whisper the mystical word namaste in my ear. we really don't have a word like it in english (or even much of a western conception of it). they explained to me that namaste means, "i honor the Holy One who lives in you." i knew i could see God in their eyes. was it possible that i was becoming a Christian, that in my eyes they could catch a glimpse of the image of my Lover?

--shane claiborne, the irresistible revolution - living as an ordinary radical pp 79-80

i can't claim to have really experienced this on the level the author is describing here (he is writing about a time when he served in the home for the destitute and dying, a home started by mother teresa in calcutta, india), but i came close one day last week.

waiting for a light to change, a saw a homeless man on the side of the road, with a sign that said something to the effect of "on my way home. anything will help. God bless." as much as i hate to admit this, i normally do my best to avoid eye contact with homeless folks and beggars. there is a lot to that response - cynicism, helplessness, just plain hardness of heart sometimes... i know - very Christ-like, huh? this time was different.

first, let me say that i rarely have cash, and that i'm ALWAYS in a hurry - running late or just impatient with traffic. so i roll up to this light and see this guy and i kick into my normal response when Jesus steps in. if you know Him at all, you KNOW when He decides to show up in a situation. without hesitation, i rolled down my window while reaching for my wallet and catching his eye all at the same time. i've gotten a glimpse of what being in need is like over the past year or so. i know that i am just one step away from being out on the streets myself. so for once, i have a little cash - i have no idea how much - and He told me to give it to him. this stranger walks up to my window, his eyes old in the way that some people describe as "an old soul" - they were haggard and sagging... and beautiful. i handed him the cash saying, "this is all i have... God bless you." he takes it, and without counting it, puts it in his pocket. he says, "God bless you back" and our eyes locked... and i knew, i knew that i was looking into the eyes of Jesus.

i wanted to get out and pray with this guy. i wanted to tell him to get in, to bring him somewhere cool and out of the heat, get him some food and something cool to drink, and i wanted to bring him home. as these thoughts raced through my mind, the light changed and i had to go. immediately, i was lamenting the busy-ness of my life, wondering if i could pull over, go back, do something to spend some more time with this man. i was floored, angry, frustrated and torn, all at the same time.

and then, He spoke: whatever you do unto the least of these, you have done unto Me.

wow. my heart about burst. mind you, this all took place in the space of about 15 seconds. and in that moment, when He spoke to my heart, i knew that i didn't need to go back. i knew that He was already gone.