God's reality is like a man and a woman traveling together, the first who was blind and used few words, and the second a recent college graduate. When they got out of the subway the college graduate did not know where they were, so she got out her map.
The blind man pointed to the left, but the graduate, intently looking at her map, politely ignored him. The man then pointed ahead, but the woman again politely ignored him. Then the blind man walked to the right and said something to a stranger. “Yes," said the stranger, "just keep walking that way and you will find where you wish to go.” So the blind man started walking by himself. And the college graduate followed.
* * *
With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it?
God's reign is like a very important man waiting in line to meet the President with his friend who had a developmental disability. As the President approached them, the very important man saw that his friend had dropped his handkerchief, and that his friend was not able to pick it up alone. When the President came to shake their hands the very important man turned his back to him and picked up the handkerchief for his friend.
And everyone was amazed.
* * *
With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it?
It is like a certain man with Down syndrome serving communion to an undocumented Latina woman. "The body and blood of Christ," the man proclaims. "Amen," the woman replies.
* * *
To what can I compare God's Reality, or how shall I describe it?
God's kingdom is like a young man and an older woman, sitting together at a table, sharing a can of Ensure with one another.
Jason Greig was a Student Associate for Anabaptist Disabilities Network when he wrote these parables.
