You always have the poor with you
You always have the poor with you, but you do
not always have me. John 12:8
Jesus’
provocative statement to Judas Iscariot following Mary’s anointing culminates
our Gospel lesson this week. It is a
rebuke against Judas, who is self-righteous in accusing Mary’s extravagant use
of expensive nard yet heedless of his own corrupt nature. While Judas is reprimanded, he will go on to
betray Jesus into the hands of the Roman overlords.
We can
read these poignant words of Jesus in a disconnected way, seeing them only as a
directive toward Judas, but the allegory of the narrative, inviting us into the
story and making it our own, denies us that easy out. We cannot read and/or hear these words
without being stirred by the depth of this statement.
What
does it mean to be poor? For most of us, the word invokes in us a state of
economic well-being, but we know it also means more than that. As it says in
the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.” Matthew 5:3. Judas was not the wealthiest person, but he was definitely
poor in Spirit, as many of us are, sometimes feeling very far away from God’s
presence, especially when we want to feel it the most.
Is it
worse to be fiscally poor or spiritually poor?
That is honestly not a fair question, but it does help us accept the
truth of Jesus’ statement. Even if we get to some point in the future where
extreme poverty is eradicated and everyone in the world goes to sleep with a
full stomach (if they want to), there will still be those who are poor in
spirit, and we, as disciples of Christ, are called to love and support them as
much as the one looking for something to eat or a place to lay their head.
However,
without meeting those immediate needs of people for food, water and shelter,
they are not able to even consider the state of their spiritual health. I read today that New Jersey has a rate of
deep child poverty that is TWICE the national rate! That is outrageous. We should not let any person go to bed hungry,
especially a child.
I once
gave a presentation to an international group of seminarians about a soup
kitchen at the church I was serving in New York City. When I finished and asked for questions, a
young man from Africa (I am embarrassed that I forget which country he was
from) seem very perplexed. He didn’t understand
the need for such a program. I didn’t understand
his confusion until I realized that he had no idea that some people in America
had little more than those in his country.
He was under the impression that everyone in America was rich and had
enough to eat.
That, unfortunately,
is not true. While there is enough food
for everyone, not everyone has access and they are “food insecure,” which means
they don’t know where their next meal is coming. And for many others living at or near the
poverty line (for a family of 4, that is making less than $24,300 a year), they
live in “food deserts” where the only food available is “fast food” or
convenience stores, which has food high in fat, cholesterol, calories and
little to no fresh fruits or vegetables.
A steady diet of such food increases the risks of all kinds of health
issues, including obesity, heart problems and diabetes.
The poor may be blessed, but not
to live a life condemned by bad eating habits because they could not access or
afford good, nutritious food. As we
continue our Lenten journey, I hope you can give thanks for the good food on
your table and be willing to help those in need, especially the children. Thank you to all who support the food
collection for the South Brunswick Food Pantry.
The demand on their resources are as high as ever. They are currently running a program called “Give
Until You Are Full,” to raise funds to offset what they have available in
stock. The Interfaith Clergy Association
of the Great South Brunswick Area will be hosting a Walk Against Hunger on May
22nd to support the efforts of the SBFB. We hope you will support that effort by
walking or donating toward this important cause.
The poor will always be with us,
and we should be mindful of their needs, both physically and spiritually.
In Christ,
Rev. Valerie+
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