Where Are The Poor?

Where are the poor?

As I contemplate this question from the coziness and quiet of my room, trying to will myself to fall asleep (well after midnight I might add!) my mind wanders to far away places. The sights, sounds and smells are vivid and tangible as I drift in and out of consciousness.

Streets lined with beggars. Some looking for food, some looking for money and some just looking for a glimmer of hope and a way out of the only life they've ever known. Here it's easy to see the 'poor'. It's easy to identify those who are 'hopeless'. It's easy to place judgement on bad decisions, poor choices, corrupt society, etc. But go with me for a moment to the 'other side of the tracks', to the places we dare not go, to the places that make the hair on the back of our neck stand up, to the places that allow fear to creep into our soul. What about those places? What is the difference between us and them? What separates our lives form theirs . . . our destiny from theirs? And who are these beautiful, God-created souls? They are every day people, they serve our lunch, do our taxes, stamp our passport, take our blood and . . . and . . . dare I even say - hand us our bulletin each Sunday morning.

What is the difference between 'hope' and 'hopeless'? It is a little bridge called LOVE.

Mt. 22:37-38 encapsulates he very heart of God is two simple statements. Vs. 37 "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind." Vs. 38 "Love your neighbour as yourself."

What exactly do these statements mean? Does it mean that everything you do should reflect the exact heart of Jesus, everything you say should come form an heart full of goodness, grace and mercy? Could it possibly mean that your entire will rests on the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus? Does it give your mind authority to take each thought captive? What about 'love your neighbour'? Does it include EVERY neighbour or just the ones on 'your side of the tracks', or just the ones you like, with things in common . . . who believe what you believe . . . (see where I'm going here?!).

For just a moment, for just a dare, let's define poor. As blessed Canadians, often we use 'poor' in reference to finances, but in reality, poor goes entirely beyond anything financial. I truly believe you can be the poorest person but have the richest soul. So again, define poor. Come with me again and let's imagine for a moment - could it mean poor in spirit? What about poor in health? Or, what about poor in judgement? And, if so, are we loving these people just the same? Are we really loving the addict who is making a commitment to Christ, yet not quite ready to give up his addictions? Are we loving the young lady who, after a lifetime of abuse, made some choices that have led her to a beautiful family of her own? And are we loving the new family in the third pew who are trying to hold it together after a diagnosis threatens to rob the children of their father?

Do we cast judgement or do we love? Do we sneer and roll our eyes as they walk to the altar and make the decision to let Jesus heal their pain despite al of their own efforts. Do we be-friend these 'sinners'? . . . Because Jesus did. He even called Himself a Friend of Sinners! He loved the poor so why, if we are followers or Jesus, don't we? If we love Jesus like we say we do we should be living a life that reflects Him. And shouldn't people be undeniably attracted to us because of it? Maybe instead of asking 'where are the poor' we should start asking WHO are the poor? WHAT am I doing to love them? WHEN am I going to stop talking and start doing? WHERE can I shine light to the darkness and why am I still sitting here reading?

There is a world of people who need to know what the love of Christ feels like!

Tara W.