Sigma Rev. Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.

[Professor]

The Rev. Dumas A. Harshaw Jr. is pastor of First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in Raleigh.

The triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, celebrated last Sunday, is an awesome reminder of the difference compassionate action makes in our world. This was an act of courage in the face of danger and sacrificial love for those who stand in need. This led to death on the cross for the sins of humankind, with the promise of new beginnings for all who receive in faith the message and meaning of God's redemptive love. Thus, Jesus Christ came to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate.

Today, Jesus, who himself was homeless with no place to lay his head, would be going to those with the most desperate need in our world. When we think of the growing numbers of those who are homeless; when we think of those on the edge of financial disaster; when we think of families without adequate shelter, food, health care, clothing, jobs and support systems, we cannot help but think of the need for demonstrating this kind of sacrificial love in eradicating the awful blight of poverty. I am confident that Jesus would be in solidarity with those who struggle each day to address these depressing circumstances.

The second thing Jesus would be doing is going to the faith community to encourage critical networking to address this nagging problem of homelessness while building creative mission objectives for social change and well being. Jesus would challenge us as he challenged his first disciples to reach out to neighbors with a helping hand as they showed the love of Christ. This posture is highlighted in the words of the master in Matthew 25:41-45: "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. ... Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did not do for me."

The third thing Jesus would do is address the conscience of lawmakers, policymakers and political leaders to encourage their sincere engagement in a problem that threatens the very fabric of our national existence. Jesus cared not only for the poor and needy, but also for the rich, powerful and comfortable. He appealed to them to use their influence to solve the problems of poverty.

Jesus said, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests but the Son of man has no place to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). He can therefore relate to the sense of depending on the hospitality of others.

As we are privileged to celebrate another Easter, which signals the possibilities of new things, we can together end homelessness in America in our time. The resurrection of Christ in principle grants to us the power needed to address every evil in our society with purpose and perseverance.