God's preferential option for the poor
"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.
Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117
An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html
Today's
Psalm 102 (morning) // 107:1-32(evening)
Hosea 10:1-15
Acts
Luke 6:12-26
There are few passages of scripture that bring me more discomfort than what we read today. Luke sets the scene this way: Jesus spends an evening in prayer on the mountain. The following day he chooses the twelve who will be the inner circle of his disciples. Then he addresses a great crowd.
I'm encouraged by the opening section of Jesus' words. "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the
I'm very comfortable with the notion that God has a special concern for the poor, the hungry and the grieving. It's one of the key components of a Christian perspective toward political and economic policies. When legislators and leaders are proposing policies, the characteristic Christian question is "How will this affect the poor? Will this relieve poverty and hunger? Will this be a comfort to those who mourn?" The scriptural witness is consistent. God's commands a special regard for the poor. I like that.
Then follows the part that makes me uncomfortable. "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets." I am rich. I am full. Laughter comes easy. I have a place of good regard in the community. "Woe" is Jesus' word to me.
I have received my consolation. I can expect hunger and weeping. I should be suspicious of good public reputation. It was the false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear and were praised for it.
These words are intended to discomfort. Prophecy traditionally comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. Those of us who are rich -- and from an international perspective, that's nearly all of us in this community -- live in a place of danger.
I can think of one rich person who is praised in the gospel story. Joseph of Arimethea is wealthy and powerful, a member of the ruling Sanhedrin. He used his wealth and power to befriend Jesus. It was in Joseph's own tomb that Jesus was buried. Joseph gave his support at some risk. He was offering generosity toward one whose execution was endorsed by the Sanhedrin and by other monied interests.
Those of us who are rich and whose needs are met have a moral obligation, according to the consistent witness of scripture. If we choose not to become part of the blessed community voluntarily, to become one with the poor and hungry as did St. Francis and others, then at the very least we are called to share God's "preferential option for the poor." How can we use our wealth and reputation on behalf of the poor? That's the Christian perspective. It's a challenge to folks like me.
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posted by Lowell @ 7:45 AM
1 comments
1 Comments:
These are humbling words. Thinking of inheritance, our forefathers have created this rich and powerful nation. We have inherited this although we may not deserve it. We should be humble before God first, then we will know how to best use our inheritance.
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