Thursday, February 20, 2014

Do you hear the cry of the poor?: Daily Mass Homily--Thursday, February 20th, 2014


            Two thoughts on the reading from James.  First, I was reminded of the people we met in Ghana as I read: “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that he promised to those who love him?  I’ve mentioned this before in updates, homilies and at our slideshow, but it was remarkable meeting people who were materially poor yet rich in faith.  This verse describes my experience in Ghana perfectly.
            Second, James reminds us of the Golden Rule—to love your neighbor as yourself.  Someone once asked Jesus who his neighbor was.  Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.  The true neighbor was not someone known or nearby—he was a stranger from a foreign land.
            We must remember that our neighbors aren’t simply those we live by or are acquaintances with.  We have men and women in our city, state and world who need true neighbors—the poor.
            The Lord hears the cry of the poor.”  Do you?

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