Loading...We are experiencing unprecedented poverty in the midst of plenty; unnecessary inequality in spite of unheard abundance.
The poor you always have with you.
At least 46.5 million people, including 1 of every 5 children, are living in poverty, according to the US Census. An additional 97.3 million people are officially designated as low-income. Taken together, this means that 48% of the U.S. population, nearly one in every two people, is poor or low income.
The poor you always have with you.
The top 1% of the population own 43% of the nation’s wealth; the top 5% own 72% of wealth and the bottom 80% are left with just 7% of wealth. At the same time, racial and gender inequality remains as deep as ever. More than 25% of Native Americans and African Americans live below the poverty line; and about 23% of Hispanic people do.
The poor you always have with you.
Sometimes inequality feels like an indominable foe, especially when we recognize that we are fighting an entire network of systems -- and we are not just fighting those systems, we are fighting the deep-set values that constructed the problem and continue to contribute to them.
What does it mean to fight against poverty, when we face the reality: The poor you always have with you?”
It is overwhelming!
What DOES this mean?
At first hearing (even after multiple hearings), Jesus’ words are disturbing. They seem almost dismissive of those who live in poverty. It almost seems as though Jesus is making an excuse, or giving us an excuse to overlook those who are poor.
This past week, I learned something about the Greek words and syntax of this phrase that Jesus uses, and that the translation we have, “The poor you always have with you”, or “You will always have the poor with you” could be an inaccurate translation. The better rendering is “Keep the poor with (or, near to) you always.”
Jesus loved the poor, not just in words, but in actions. As followers of Jesus, we are compelled to do the same: act with love and compassion towards those who experience poverty.
Also, Rather than sigh heavily when we think about what seems to be intractable – sigh, the poor will always be around! – stay close to those who are impoverished. Stay near to and get to know those who are poor. Befriend and be in relationship with people.
The one who is anointed in this story – coronation as king or preparation for burial, or both? – loves people. He loves them regardless of situation, ability to reciprocate (who can?!?), social standing, or any other metric. Jesus loves people.
And, this is our call, too. This is our invitation. This is what Jesus provokes us toward. This is how we are sent from this place. Love, in word and in deed.
Love, by serving, by forgiving, by risking, by caring.
Love, for all.
