Sheeps or Goat

In Matthew Jesus tells us that whatsoever we did or however we treat the lowliest amongst us is how we treat him and thus will be a measure of our reward in heaven or not. It is a complicated statement or is it?

Jesus advises us to clothe the poor, feed the needy, help the homeless, visit the imprisoned and in general to do treat the lowly just as we would treat those better off and Jesus himself.

Reading a theological book an interesting quote is that modern clerics and the modern churches often seem to want to " deradicalize Jesus". The question is would he want us to.

His message was clear. So what is enough. We have money in the bank, not enough to cover much of an emergency but should we give that away. Or is it more of a sense of how do we feel about those in need, do we offer our help and more or just as importantly our compassion and care.

Clearly one of Jesus's comments of judge not yet lest be judged is not one that is followed well in our society. The scholar I am reading makes a point that those persecuting gays are persecuting Jesus as Jesus dwelt and dealt with sinners always.

I am not an expert but I do wonder what my responsibility is. We have homeless people that we see often in our section of town. One in particular. It would be not a blessing on me to admit that while we feel sorry for him and I hope for the best for him we have done nothing to help him. One day he crossed my path as I waited for a light and I pondered giving him a ten dollar bill. Of course the follow up is what would he use it for. Beer and Cigarettes? Would it be better to contribute to give ten dollars to Manna so that they can distribute it into healthier programs rather than the individual I see.

Worse than that this particular gentleman has a resemblance to the character Gargamel in the old Smurfs show and I mentioned that once or twice. If I have said that in front of my children I am starting the process whereas they become numb to the hurt of others. This is wrong to do. I am wrong.

A resolution for 2011 is to make an absolute effort to do more to help people. Either with the Susan Komen effort, or with contributions to Manna, or thru a church if we join one as we are shopping currently. I might even give that gentleman on the corner a few bucks. I know it will not help him but it might help me.