Blinded by the Light


Blinded by the Light

I’ve been blinded by the light of those who survive in the darkness

Of the streets of the city

Scrabbling around for food from dumpsters,

Rummaging through piles of boxes behind restaurants.


Panhandling to get enough to eat,

Singing, dancing, selling their souls

Doing anything to survive,

Just to keep going.

 

Sure, they once had homes with the comforts they long for,

For whatever reason, they found it better to leave.

Was it fear or violence or vices or hopelessness?

Does it really matter?

 

Are they lost souls as some suggest,

Doomed to live on street corners for income,

Although they are hidden from our sight?

Are their prayers hidden from the love of Christ?

 

Are we who judge those who live in the edges of the dark

Casting the first stone?


Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots

enter the kingdom of God before you.”  The tax collectors and harlots believed John the Baptist, but you did not. [paraphrased]

                                                                      [Matthew 21:31-32]