Show Notes
In this sixteenth week of “Ordinary” (or “Normal”) time, Case reflects on God’s command to honor and care for the poor, pointing to ways in which those in poverty today face a multitude of challenges and how Christians can tangibly respond with the love of Christ.
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Episode Transcript
Unlike the more focused seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, Ordinary Time provides a rhythm of regular worship and reflection on Scripture that sustains believers in their daily walk with God. This season is not “ordinary,” in the sense of being mundane, but rather it is a time for the Church to live out the implications of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in ordinary, everyday life.
In this season, we underscore the importance of spiritual formation, discipleship, and living out one’s faith in practical ways. As followers of the Living Christ, we use this time to delve deeply into the Word, to grow in grace, and to participate in the sacraments with a renewed understanding of God’s ongoing work in the world.
And now a reading of selections from the book of Proverbs, chapter 22.
A good name is more desirable than great riches. To be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common. The Lord is the maker of them all. Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.
Exploitation of the poor in American communities can take various forms, often rooted in inequalities and economic disparities. Here are some of the common manifestations. Wage theft and low wages. Many low-income workers face wage theft where they are not paid for overtime, receive less than the minimum wage, or are denied benefits. There’s predatory lending. This is one of my most hated exploitations of the poor. Payday loans, high interest credit cards, and other forms of predatory lending trap individuals in cycles of debt as they often target those who are financially vulnerable and have limited access to traditional banking services. The lack of affordable housing. Rising housing costs and gentrification displace low income families, leading to homelessness, or forcing them to live in substandard conditions. Lack of affordable housing options exacerbates financial instability. Healthcare inequities. The poor often lack access to quality healthcare, face higher rates of chronic illnesses, and experience worse health outcomes due to barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, and inadequate healthcare facilities in low-income areas. Another way the poor can be exploited is through educational disparities. Underfunded schools in poor neighborhoods result in lower educational outcomes, limiting opportunities for children to escape poverty. Low standards in poorly equipped and responsible teachers and staff can perpetuate a cycle of limited economic mobility. Food insecurity. Many low-income families struggle with food insecurity, lacking access to nutritious food. This is often due to food deserts, areas with limited availability of affordable and healthy food options. The criminalization of poverty. Minor infractions can lead to hefty fines and failure to pay these fines can result in imprisonment, further entrenching individuals in poverty. The criminal justice system disproportionately affects poor individuals, particularly those from marginalized community.
So what would be some Christian responses to exploitation? A Christian response for the sake of the poor can be multifaceted, grounded in principles of compassion, justice, and advocacy for smart, fair, and effective policies. Christians can advocate for policies that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, provide social safety nets, and a smart tax system. Yes, there are fierce debates from the left and right about the best way to do this. But are those with power and resources talking, thinking, and getting into such work?
I believe if you don’t vote, you can’t complain. Likewise, if people with power and resources don’t bring the very values and strategies that have helped them succeed to the table, it’s hard to complain about results.
Christians can provide direct support. Churches and Christian organizations can provide direct support to those in need through food banks, affordable housing initiatives, healthcare clinics, and educational programs. Offering practical assistance helps alleviate immediate needs. There’s also impact investing, ways to leverage capital such that jobs are created, communities are built and made more safe.
And the future is bright as businesses flourish and help the everyday
Community development. Christians can engage in community development efforts partnering with local organizations to revitalize impoverished neighborhoods, create job opportunities and improve living conditions. Legal aid and financial education. Providing legal aid to those facing unjust practices and offering financial education to help individuals manage their finances can empower the poor and prevent exploitation.
There’s advocating for criminal justice reform. Christians can work towards reforming the criminal justice system to ensure that it’s fair and just, addressing issues such as bail reform, sentencing disparities, and the criminalization of poverty.
Don’t forget prayer and spiritual support. Offering prayer and spiritual support can provide hope and comfort to those experiencing exploitation. It also fosters a sense of community and solidarity among believers. By embodying the teachings of Christ, which emphasize love, justice, and care for the marginalized, we as Christ followers play a significant role in addressing and mitigating the exploitation of those around us. May we be so faithful in our witness to Jesus.
Selections from James chapter two. My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, here’s a good seat for you, but say to the poor man, you stand or sit on the floor by my feet. Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters, has not God chosen those who were poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in scripture, love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
For he who said, you shall not commit adultery also said, you shall not murder. If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a law breaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, go in peace, keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
