HE PREFERRED THE POOR

PRAYER MOMENT

Wednesday 11 September 2013

HE PREFERRED THE POOR

Pause. Be sill.

Reading. “How happy are you who are poor; yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20-26)

Reflection. “Happy the poor?” How can Jesus say that? We struggle in our development programmes to help people raise themselves out of poverty. We lament the 90% of Zimbabweans out of formal employment. They are “trapped” in poverty. Poverty has been the lot of most people in every age. Jesus is not happy that people are poor but he is saying their state of life, their poverty, makes them the people for whom God is especially concerned. The Father knows how they struggle and their struggle can open them up to the God who struggles with us, Emmanuel. Jesus is saying they are the people who are most likely to know their need for God. As people get richer the crucifix and pictures of the Sacred Heart disappear from the kitchen wall.  

Prayer. God our Father, we know that you have a special love for the poor, the handicapped andthose in prison. You are close to those who struggle day after day to care for their families. Teach me to be poor, at least in spirit, so that I may be one with you in your struggle in our world. Amen.