Praying for the Whole World

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Unexpected

You know how when you start into a book you have this sense of anticipation.  What will I find in here that might be interesting and stimulating?

I recently picked up Lloyd Axeworthy’s 2004 book, Navigating a New World, at Well-Read Books. It was a national bestseller with Lloyd’s  thoughts on Canada’s global future.  So, I expected some thoughtful insights and pithy arguments.

What I didn’t expect was what I found on a bookmark the book’s previous owner had inserted between the pages.  The bookmark was obviously clipped from some publication.  Here’s what it said:

Listen, Christian:

I was hungry and you formed a humanities club to discuss my hunger. Thank you.

I was in prison and you crept off to a chapel in your neighbourhood to pray for my release.

I was cold and naked.  In your mind you debated with others the morality of my appearance.

I was homeless and you preached to me about spiritual shelter, of the house of God, and the protection of his love.

I was sick and you knelt down and thanked God for your good health.

I was lonely and cold and you left me alone to pray for me.

Yes, Christian, you seem so close to God; maybe you are …

But I am still hungry.

I am still very lonely.

I am still very cold.

 

Posted by Hank