"Just as you did it to one of the least of these... you did it to me." - from Matthew 25:31-40
From today's Trek card:
The poverty all around us in Vietnam at times convicts us of our relative wealth. It can also become comonplace. Mrs. Ly, a farmer from the rural North, has showed me how insulated from poor people's needs and feelings I can become. On New Year's day, Mrs. Ly and Mrs. Ngoc, a fellow farmer, brought gifts of rice, mung beans and fruit to our office in Hanoi. As we chatted, a beggar stopped at the gate. We remained seated, almost not registering her presence. But Mrs. Ly and Mrs. Ngoc immediately got to their feet, reaching into their pockets for money to give. They, who have so little even compared to the Vietnamese people who cook and clean for us, let along us rich foreigners, were the first and only ones to respond, to give without a second thought. Mrs. Ly had personally experienced some of the hardships this person with the outstretched hands was facing. her response was one of understanding and compassion. As church workers, we seek to be a presence where life is difficult. However, we need people to be present with us as we try to overcome our insulating wealth and privilege to live out Jesus' teachings. We need people like Mrs. Ly to help us connect with poor people whom Jesus calls us to love. No matter how big or small our store of riches, we can give joyfully, freely and in overflowing measure.
-- Betsy Headrick McCrae
Questions for Today
Was there ever a time when I really didn't have enough money?
How did or does this make me eel about people who are wealthier than me?
Do I have a personal relationship with anyone who is struggling to afford the bare necessities of life?
What does my relationship with them add to my understanding of life?
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