When we google the phrase “collection for theChurch in Palestine” we find, not surprisingly, that the request of Paul to the
Corinthians in the text today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary is relevant to
our current situation. The poverty of Jews living in Jerusalem was brought to
the attention of Paul during his visit to Peter to discuss how the requirements
of Jewish Law might apply to Gentile converts, according to the commentary ofFriar Jude Winkler. The psalmist praises God who gives food to the hungry and
secures justice for the oppressed. Paul exhorts the believers to be receptive
to being moved by the Spirit to reflect on the generosity of God in calling
them to Christ. In this reflection, we are able to hear Jesus in the Gospel of
Matthew as He extends the practice of love beyond our neighbours and tribe to
all people, even our enemies. The radical generosity which Jesus proclaims is a
challenge, as Friar Jude suggests being clever and compassionate in our giving.
The world around Christianity is coming to realize that we have the ability in
our highly technologically sophisticated world to end extreme poverty. The
poorest people in the world are not our tribe, they are not Christian and some
support military and terrorist action against us. Jesus says they are brothers
and sisters who we love as God loves.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment