Be Generous To The Poor

 

 Luke 11:37-41

Woes on the Pharisees and the Experts in the Law

³⁷ When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. ³⁸ But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.

³⁹ Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. ⁴⁰ You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? ⁴¹ But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

Jesus shows us that ritual cleansing is not enough, nor even necessary to have a clean heart. True cleansing comes with being generous to the poor. How many pieces of mail do we receive each day asking us to support and help the poor around the world? If these mailings don't drive us crazy, they at least make us aware that there are millions who need help. Jesus said, "the poor you will always have with you:" (Mt 26: 11) and two thousand years later these words are still true.We can't help everyone, but we can help some. Let us heed the injunction, "be generous to the poor" as best we can. Certainly we can freely offer our prayers at least.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, keep me mindful of the poor and help me to do whatever I can to help them. Amen.