FRIDAY, July 29

Psalm 73. In the misfortunes of others they have no share; they are not afflicted as others are.

The psalmist writes of the attitude of the proud and the prosperity of the wicked, “who wrap their violence about them like a cloak.”

The gospel is always good news for the poor. Jesus aligns himself with those who are strangers, sick, hungry, thirsty, naked, and imprisoned, but not with those who distance themselves from them.

One day a young girl and her father were driving and saw a poor man in need who was standing near someone in an expensive car. The girl pointed out that if the driver of the expensive car had purchased a cheaper car, he would have had the financial resources to help the poor man. That simple statement sounded obvious but it seeped inside the father. Their family sold their large house, cut back, and now work to abolish poverty.

When we pack for trips, although we may struggle to make everything fit, eventually we zip the suitcase and use only a small portion of our possessions at our destination. The airlines dictate a limit and we comply. Why not impose a limit for our daily lives? Why not make purchases for ourselves and put away an equal amount to spend on a project to aid the poor?

PRAY for the Diocese of Puerto Rico (Province IX, USA)

Ps 69:1-23(24-30)31-38 * 73; 2 Samuel 5:1-12; Acts 17:1-15; Mark 7:24-37

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The Poor Among Us

Jul 29, 2011 at 5:37 am

Written by emeline,

We have the poor among us always. There are many nad varied opportunites to cater to their needs. Just look carefully, and seek God's guidance as we carry out this vital, Christian ministry. Help the ppor and distressed in our daily walk.

...

Jul 29, 2011 at 9:50 am

Written by Tim Holsonback,

Always be on the look out for any single chance. But remember the poor woman who put her pennies in the treasury at the Temple while the wealthy put in bags. Jesus said that she got it while the rest did not. The kingdom of God is far greater than anything we can imagine.

...

Jul 29, 2011 at 11:38 am

Written by Andrea,

The story this meditation alludes to sounds like The Power of Half, which chronicles a family's decision to sell their $1.6 million house (with an elevator!) and buy one that only cost $800,000. They gave the extra money to charity. I have to ask, how relevant a role model is this to most of us? How many of us live in a fully-paid-for home, let alone one worth $1.6 million? How many of us live in an $800,000 house? Giving away half was generous, to be sure, but these people still live better than 98% of Americans and all but a minute fraction of the world. Great that they feel good. But they are now making money by telling people who make the median US income of $45,000 that they, too, can give away half their home, income, possessions, etc. Maybe that's so, but it is a far different thing from what they have accomplished.

Written by D

Jul 29, 2011 at 12:02 pm

Written by D,

I advocate clicking on the buttons on thegreatergood.com, which aid 8 different charities, and the academic games of freerice.com, for which 10 grains of rice are donated to the World Food Bank by the UN for every correct answer. For those who don't have a lot of money, and for students who also need to improve their academic skills, these are great ways to help.

...

Jul 29, 2011 at 4:49 pm

Written by Noel of July Day by Day,

These stories aren't prescriptions or rulebooks for the mind. They are for our hearts and spirits, to let images arise, to hear what is calling out.

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