Today the Census Bureau released data on levels of poverty in America. Granted, it’s not the Forbes list of the richest people in the world, yet, this information deserves our attention and our action.
In my second decade as ordained clergy, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I have learned and what surprised me. Leading the list of surprises was my experience with local congregations and their outreach to, welcoming of, and ministry with persons who are poor.
As I sought to call my congregations into ministry with persons who are poor, I was met with comments such as: “They are not our children” and “We don’t want to share the gospel with those people.” Ouch.
There is a disturbing and disheartening trend at work in this nation. We have begun to categorize persons into the “deserving” and “undeserving poor” and are blaming persons for living in poverty. Seriously.
Because of how I understand God and, in my tradition, how I re-present the Christ whose name I take on, I believe it is foundational to be in ministry with persons who are poor and to advocate with them for a more just and equal society.
I think it’s kind of basic ---- whenever someone is hungry, feed ‘em; thirsty, give ‘em something to drink; cold, cover ‘em; isolated, go and bring ‘em into the fold.
Well?
sj;
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