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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