I will admit it – there are many times I drive or walk by the person holding a cardboard sign asking for money.
It is a struggle when we’re racing around from activity to activity to see the Christ in the face of every person, but it is a common theme throughout the bible – we are called to take care of the poor.
Listen to the September 9th reading from Saint James:
“My brothers and sisters, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please,” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there,” or “sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Did not two-minute choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him”
Let’s Pray – Father of Grace and Mercy. You entrust us with caring for the poor. comes our busy routines to see the face of Christ in every person, knowing they too are your beloved sons and daughters, and trusting it is through your Providence that we encounter them. Help us to love all as you love us. Amen.