The Poor Among Us

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, yeblessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer  and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matt. 25:34-40)

While – “Don’t murder.  Don’t commit adultery.  Don’t steal.” are all very do-able commandments for me, I still wrestle with angst and guilt every time I pass by some guy with a sign on one of the busy intersections of Oklahoma City, asking for money.  I’ve often thought about pulling my car over to get out and engage one of these people in a conversation.  I’m fascinated how people can descend to this station in life with (apparently) no shame.  But like the priest and Levite in the story of The Good Samaritan, I, too, am too busy and just end up passing them by.

Makes me wonder if there is really some kind of “Will Work for Food” franchise that sets these people up in neighboring intersections.

Regardless of whatever cynical feelings we may have, as Christians, motivated by the compassion of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, we MUST begin to learn how to respond like “the sheep” above or we will find our destiny with “the goats” of Matt. 25:41-46.

There is an opportunity for all of us, especially youthful, Orthodox Christians to take part in an event sponsored by FOCUS – NORTH AMERICA called “YES-NORTHAMERICA” on April 8-10, 2011.  CLICK THE PIC TO REGISTER TODAY!