Poverty: What can I do?

The number of times the word poor is utilized in Scripture is over 170 and passages referring to poverty number over 300.  Serving the poor and marginalized is a central theme to Jesus' ministry and a challenge to us who live in a nation of prosperity.  What does poverty look like?  I live in  a county whose homeless population is over 250,000, and the problem confronts me daily.  My daily challenge is what I do about it.

Years ago I was in the downtown area of large local city.  The area was known for its large homeless population who slept on the streets. A man approached me and asked me for a shirt as the weather was cold.  I wasn't prepared to to give the man my shirt even though I could have spared it as I was warmly dressed.  I told him I was unable to provide him with anything. It was also a  time during my life where I was not spiritually grounded and quite immersed in self-centeredness.  However, this image is permanently embedded in my memory.

For me today's Gospel reading challenges me to become more compassionate for those in need. I am reminded of the recent viral video recording of the young man who prayed over a homeless man on the streets of Baltimore. It is a challenge not to turn away from a individual on the streets with a sign asking for assistance, but greet them with a smile or to pray for them. I know the ongoing the debate about what action one should take when a person on the street asks for money.  It is a challenge for me not to judge what they might do with money that is given to them.  It is also a challenge for me to give when I can, even if it is a bottle of water, socks, or granola bar.

A pastor friend of mine helped me answer the question of what to give years ago.  He said if he was able to he would offer to take the person to a local eatery and buy them a meal.  If they refused he would be on his way, but would pray for the person.  More than anything else the issue of poverty and despair provides me an opportunity to be grateful for what I have and give when I am able to.

Poverty also is not just an issue of homelessness, it also spiritual.  How many times do I interact with someone in the spiritual dumps.  What can I do for them? A kind word, a listening ear, and invitation to share my faith are all actions that are consistent with the Gospel message.  I cannot escape the issue, it is daily challenge and how I react must be considered with today's warning in the Gospel as my life depends on it.