The Poor

Who are "the poor"? When the Old Testament prophets told the Israelites that they had to take care of "the poor", who were they speaking about? When Jesus mentioned (frequently) the need to give alms to the poor, who did He mean? Interestingly, no one denies that we should help the poor, but if we do not have the same definition of "the poor" then that might not be as easy as one thinks.

For example, I happened upon some information recently about some low income housing. According to a federal standard, I am in the "low income" category where, with my current salary, I could live in a certain low income apartment. I know I am not in the priesthood for the money, but there is something wrong with that picture. Therefore, what do we mean by "the poor"? Am I one of those who need to be helped in that way? (I appreciate all the help my parish gives me, but I am not that bad off!)

Thus, when we have discussions about helping the poor, that question must come up: who are they? People will not necessarily have the same definition. Also, there is another factor in this discussion. Are those whom most people consider to be "poor" actually in the same financial state as those whom Jesus considered poor? Merely to say "Jesus said help the poor" and then claim someone is poor does not solve the question. What is considered "poor" today is really not the same thing as what was considered "poor" 2000 years ago.

In the first century, the poor were easy to see, and though there were occasional fakers they were usually easy to spot. Today, especially in southern Missouri, there are a number of people who take in more money in a year than I do who are on the streets begging for a handout (and they look the part with dirty clothes and messy hair). Are we supposed to be helping them because they look like they are poor? I heard a story about a man who was definitely not poor calling churches saying he was unable to pay his rent and needed help; he did it just because he knew they would give him money.

Those of us who genuinely want to help those who are genuinely poor find it hard to do so when there are so many liars who are trying to take our resources away from those who truly need them. Sad to say, but nowadays we need a full organized system to make sure that the people we help really need it, and that we are not merely enabling their addictions and abuses. More work needs to be done to prevent cheaters from stealing from those with good hearts, and to help those who truly are poor to get the help that they need. I do not know what that solution is, but it needs to be found.