The Word became flesh and...what, what?

“In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and” moved to the suburbs.

No, that’s not quite right….

“…and” built a house among the rich and famous.

Oh yeah. That makes more sense.

Isn’t that it, or did I miss something?

Oh what, you don’t really mean the Word became flesh and there was no room for him?

Surely you don’t mean foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Word took on flesh and became homeless?

Surely you don’t mean the Word became flesh and spent his time with thieves and beggars and prostitutes and rebels and outsiders?

Surely you don’t mean the Word became flesh and was tried, convicted, and executed as a criminal?

I mean, God may want me to love my neighbor…

But surely God means my wealthy neighbor who can help me get a leg up in the world.

Or maybe God means those well-off white folks who live in safe neighborhoods who know how to hide their problems so I don’t have to deal with them.

Or maybe God means those who look like they’re all put together and dress like an upstanding citizen. You know, those who can help themselves.

But surely God doesn’t mean I should show compassion and understanding for the homeless, the poor, the broken, the prisoner…what good could that do me?

Isn’t that it, or did I miss something?

(The featured image is Peter Howson, “Homeless Jesus [drawing 1] – 2018.” )