we are all the same

there is an old woman sitting on the ground on a main street of san jose begging for money. people pass her by.

there is a prostitute dying of aids, wearing a sign around her neck, having her dog do tricks at the bus station in san jose and asking for money. people shun her.

there is an old, shabbily dressed man at the soccer game last sunday. watching as all the players and fans line up to buy a plate of fried chicken, rice and yucca. his shirt was open and you could see his ribs. people ignore him.

we are all the same in the eyes of God. help me, feed me Jesus says. give to whoever asks He says.

would you? would you feed Jesus if He looked like an old, shabbily dressed man? would you give to a prostitute dying of aids or an old woman sitting on the ground? or would you pass them by?

or would you buy a lottery ticket?