Sermon for Sunday - January 26, 2014: Thoughts on the Poor

"Thank you for what you do."

It was a simple statement of thanks.  It was not an announcement; no loudspeaker, pomp or circumstance.  It was a heartfelt thank you to let us know that, without the hot meal the homeless get on Saturday morning many of them might go without.  Like their circumstance could be worse?

One of the Joyful Hands Ministry folks said something back that stuck with me for this morning's post.  Someone cares that you are, and this is our way of showing you that there is hope; that you are not forgotten.

Every Saturday that I attend this breakfast I hear comments of thanks, God bless you, we appreciate the help.  Through the line I have met men and women trying to find work and those that no longer can.  I have met the mentally and physically infirm, many of which have become repeating characters at the Ministry's weekly affair.  Mama Dee knows many of them by name, knows when they don't show up for several weeks, and knows when they return.  She worries, and the people down here know that.

I am still struck by the courtesy these folks show, constantly.  The patience while they wait in line.  You see a myriad of faces lined with pain, age, emotion, and history.  And you see children; children that ask politely for another cookie or more juice.  I wish the juice were more than a powdered drink and that there was milk available, but this is a shoestring budget affair and we are lucky there were enough funds to get as much accomplished as we did.  Mama had to finish the last few meals with just tortillas and gravy; not much, but it filled an empty hole.  There was a breakdown in communication as Mama Dee had sent me several e-mails, which I didn't receive for some reason, asking for any help I can bring to the table.  The end of the month is the toughest for funds as everyone is stretched thin.  I will do what I can for next Saturday to ensure enough food is available; and some cookies for the children.

"Thank you for what you do."  I want to answer back, "Who the hell are you?"  Who are these people and what are their stories?  If the television networks want reality TV, they need to be down here on the street discovering the story behind the faces.  Their story is a recurring story of America, the "land of opportunity."  Who are they and how did they arrive at this situation in life?  What are their hopes and fears?  Who have they left behind?  There are stories here of families that have no idea what happened to a father or grandfather that disappeared onto the streets and stories of families reuniting with the lost.  As much as is the success of people, this is also an American reality.  This is the tough piece of meat and the unwanted vegetable of America that is all too often hidden under a napkin so it isn't seen.  God forbid we have to choke it down.

The sad reality of life is that we can't save the poor from themselves.  There will be poor, always.  Jesus states this in the gospel of John:

"For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me." 

John 12:7-8

 Jesus does not discourage our concern for them.  There is a prophecy, if you will, not just for those that have, but for those that have not; a prophecy that there will always be people in need of His love.  "Poor" is not to be taken literally as it refers to all of those in need whether it is a need of work, food, healing, or love and caring.  There will always be those among us in need.  As with our own path, this is where their path has led them.  Somewhere along the way they took a fork in the road that led them here.  They are lost and need assistance in finding their way back.  You can't do it for them.  They must do it themselves, with your help.

"Give a man to fish he eats for a day, teach a man to fish he eats for a lifetime."

Chinese proverb 

Ask yourself today, as you contemplate your life:  If a member of your family were to find themselves drowning, would you not reach out a hand to save them?  If you were to only think of yourself, would it not become a lonely place to live, when all others have passed on?

Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it's getting late
Oh, please don't hesitate
Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see

Another day goes by
Still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won't let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart

Jackie Deshannon, "Put a Little Love in Your Heart", 1969

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMj7UcjPZ0U