"... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40
Among the basic calling to any church serious about Christ's gospel is
the work of justice on behalf of the poor and oppressed. As a body of
Christ in the middle of Boston, our responsibility as Christ's hands and
mouth is to speak love and do love toward those for whom Christ died. It
can be as simple as a refusal to ignore those who are marginalized as
you see them on the streets, to donating time and resources through Park
Street CityWorks and its partnerships.
Jesus famously said how "the poor you will always have with you" (Matthew 26:11). But rather than read this resignedly as if there is nothing we can do to ameliorate the circumstances of poverty, what if it were to be read instead as an indictment on our unwillingness to do the words of Jesus in regard to the poor? Clearly Christ's scathing words of judgment in Matthew 25:40ff regarding the "least of these" are enough to underscore God's passion for those in need.
The hope is that as God's people we would take seriously God's call to strive for economic and social justice in Christ's name. May foretastes of the coming kingdom's promises of exaltation for the humble and righteousness for all be experienced now through our compassion. Here's praying you'll be involved.
- Dr. Daniel Harrell, Associate Minister, Park Street Church