You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” vs. 8
John 12:4-8
Jesus was of course right. We always have the poor with us, and as even Judas understood, we have a responsibility to use our resources to lift them out of poverty and enable them to experience the material blessings of life in this world. Many believers have been faithful to that ministry of caring and are currently supporting relief and charity work all around the world. Whenever there are disasters people of faith respond generously – these are the times when humans are at their best. Love flourishes in times of need.
Right now, many of those relief organizations are facing a huge challenge. Most of them have been the recipients of grants from our government that enabled them to provide the best care possible. Now those funds are being discontinued and those caring ministries are being threatened. Healing outreach programs have been eliminated with medical assistance rapidly coming to an end. Some are thrilled by this change – they believe tax dollars are best spent for defense and to support the wealthy. The challenge is obvious for those who are the hands and feet of Christ in the world. It is more important now than ever to support the work of those helping the poor. In fact, as Jesus has said clearly, what we do for the least of these, we are really doing for him!
Thought for the Day: What motivates the desire to neglect the poor?
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