A Christmas Jubilee

A Christmas Jubilee

           

For Manna House it has been a good Christmas.  Christmas is a time many people think about those who like Jesus, are poor and on the streets.  Much of our yearly budget depends upon the donations we receive in the few weeks leading up to Christmas.  This Christmas, we had many donors who were very generous, and for that I am most grateful.

            This good Christmas meant that today we could take Penny (not her real name) to the MLGW office on Summer and pay her old utility bill.  Penny, a long time guest of Manna House, was able to move into an apartment a few weeks ago.  But she’s been living without power because of her past MLGW debt.  No lights.  No heat.  No hot water. 

“I’ve been about to freeze up” Penny has told us.  She has been praying hard to get her power restored, and she’s been seeking out ways to get out from under that debt.  But no agency that she turned to seemed able to help.  Yesterday, Reggie talked with a variety of people at MLGW, and we finally got to the bottom of what she owed and what it would take to get her power on.

            In a sense, Penny was locked up in a debtor’s prison.  I’ve never quite understood a debtor’s prison.  How is a person in prison supposed to get the money to pay the debt owed?

            In the Old Testament, the Jewish law provided for a “jubilee year” in which all debts would be forgiven, so people could start over fresh (Leviticus 25:8-13, Deuteronomy 15:1-2).  With debts forgiven they could get the lights turned back on, and get heat, and hot water.

            Jesus, as a good Jewish prophet, actually begins his public life with an announcement of jubilee that he takes from the prophet Isaiah (61:1-2).  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18).  According to biblical scholars, it is that last line that refers to Jubilee, and it may be translated “to release those who have been crushed,”(CJB), or “to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Philips).

            It was a jubilee moment at MGLW this morning.  Sharon, one of the MLGW account managers efficiently and kindly led us through the process.  Penny told Sharon that she needed help to get her power on, “or else I’ll freeze up like an icicle, you know how hard an icicle gets; that would be me.”  Sharon smiled and said she sure didn’t want Penny to be freezing like an icicle.  Penny watched closely as Sharon expertly filled out various documents, and Penny told her, “You sure do have nice handwriting.” 

Penny’s own signature, which was required on several forms, was carefully written out in beautiful cursive.  When another MLGW employee walked by, Penny told her, “You sure do look pretty in that dress.”  This elicited another broad smile.  Penny sure was adept at creating a jubilee spirit.  She began to describe what she was going to cook tonight since she’ll have power.  “I’m gonna get some chicken and smother it in barbecue sauce and onions, and make me some cornbread.”  Sharon was delighted and told her, “That sure sounds good to me.”

            The whole process went so smoothly that Kathleen wanted to make sure Sharon was properly recognized for her help.  So, she asked Sharon if there was some way to have her commended for how well she had helped Penny this morning.  Sharon handed Kathleen a form, and Penny quickly asked, “What’s that?”  Kathleen read from the top of the form saying, “It’s a complaint form.”  Penny immediately scrunched up her face, and plaintively asked, “What did she do wrong?”  “Nothing,” we assured her.  Sharon laughed and said, “I guess I gave you the wrong form.”   

            When we left (now with the right form in hand), Penny asked if we could drive her to her apartment.  “I want to be there when the heat comes on.  I can’t wait to do the dishes with hot water and cook.”       

            There was good news for Penny today.  There was jubilee.  She was released from captivity to her debt.  I’m filled with gratitude for the Spirit of the Lord that moved people to make the resources available for us to take Penny to MLGW this morning.