Helping the Poor
“The poor you will always have with you…” Jesus said this to Judas after Mary of Bethany anointed him with expensive oil. Judas questioned this extravagance and challenged Jesus, saying: “Shouldn’t we have sold this and given it to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” Now Judas didn’t say this because he cared for the poor, but because he was the treasurer of the disciples and used to steal from the money bag. (John 12:1-8) But Jesus’ response, “The poor you will always have with you but you will not always have me” reveals a valid truth: we will never be without the poor. Our Lord was only citing what had already been written in Deuteronomy 15:11, which says: “For there will never cease to be poor in the land…” but here, the context is entirely different. It is not a dismissive statement justifying a valid expenditure, but rather it is spoken in the midst of a stern direction to help the poor as the rest of this verse makes clear: “…therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
Throughout Scripture this command to help the poor is echoed and amplified in many ways. Jesus helped the poor and commended them in His parables. Helping the widows and orphans is stated as a common practice of the disciples. Other passages even attach a threat and condemnation on those who fail to help others in need; for example: “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered” (Proverbs 21:13). “Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse” (Proverbs 28: 27) “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” (1st John 3:17). God’s Word is clear: believers have an obligation to help the poor.
But wait a second. What about personal responsibility? Doesn’t Scripture also condemn certain behaviors that lead to poverty? Aren’t many poor people actually reaping what they have sown (to cite another Biblical phrase)? “Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction …” (Proverbs 13:18) And why should we reward the lazy with handouts? Doesn’t this just enable them and cause them to ignore their problems? Certainly the Apostle Paul who was eager to help the poor (Galatians 2:10) would not have participated in this kind of charity, given his stern warning: “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2nd Thess. 3:10).
Over the years of working in Pomona, seeing so many poor people and talking with those who have come to me for help, I have given the issue of poverty a good deal of thought. It seems to me that poor people usually fall into one of two categories. On the one hand, there are some unfortunate people who, through no great fault of their own, have fallen on hard times. They are poor because of sickness or disease, a broken marriage or chaotic family situation, or the sudden loss of work and income. On the other hand, some are poor as a direct result of immoral and selfish decisions. Sometimes it is very difficult to determine which type of person you are dealing with. For example, one homeless man shared with me a sob story that really pulled at my heart strings. He explained that he was stranded in Pomona and just needed a few dollars for the bus, so I gave him some money, but later on I saw him walking down the street drinking a beer! The same man has come back several times over the years, each time with the identical, well rehearsed story. Now I just remind him that we have been through this before and politely send him on his way.
No matter the cause of one’s poverty, the result is the same: both are in need. And Scripture reminds us that all men, rich or poor, have these two things in common: the Lord God made us all, and Christ died for all. Therefore, His compassion extends to all and so should ours as His faithful followers. After all, we know that we have all received charity from God. He has given to us His best, despite our sinful and undeserving ways. The Apostle Paul put it best: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2nd Cor. 5:9).
In light of all this, it seems important to me that when helping the poor, we should keep a few things in mind. A measured approach is in order, we should not delude ourselves into thinking we can eliminate the problem. No government or Church program or infinite supply of money will ever wipe out poverty. The poor we will have with us always, so we should not be disappointed when in spite of our efforts, poverty persists. At the same time, even though we cannot help everyone, we also cannot stand by and do nothing while people suffer. The poor we will always have with us, therefore, we should always remember them and help them as we would like others to do for us if we ever find ourselves falling on hard times. Also, in our efforts to help, it would be wrong to give thoughtlessly and in a way that encourages irresponsible behavior. Giving the same homeless beggar $20 every day does nothing to help him face his addiction; likewise, rewarding a lazy man does not teach him to work and earn his keep. When possible, we should help these people find addiction support groups and gainful employment.
At St. Paul’s Pomona, we are in the midst of many poor people. They are poor for various reasons. For some it is a moral problem for others it is because of sickness or a chaotic home environment, and especially recently, many are affected by the economic downturn. In response to the need around us throughout this season of Lent, we are making a special point to remember the poor and help them. At the entrance of the church an alms box has been placed. It is located in a conspicuous place to remind us of the poor who are with us always. Seeing this box may also cause us to reflect on our own blessings, especially the blessing of being able to provide for ourselves and the blessing of being able to provide for others. I hope you will take an opportunity to do what you can to support the poor in our community by placing an offering in the alms box. All gifts will go to benefit the following local charities: Inland Valley Hope Partners, Catholic Charities, and The Salvation Army. These groups provide food, housing, counseling, emergency services, and bill assistance to those in need. They also have rules in place to prevent dishonest people from taking advantage of them. While our contributions will not eliminate poverty, they will express the Lord’s mercy and alleviate suffering.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Shaltanis
Trustees:
There continues to be a lot of activity around keeping our property maintained. A huge thank you goes out to those that have participated in our work days. Without your time and dedication we would not be able to keep up with our property and stay within our budget.
The Parking Lot project has hit a milestone. Our plans have (finally) cleared the City of Pomona Planning Department. Since a significant amount of time has passed since our last quote, I have put the plans out to bid with four paving contractors. Bids should be in by the end of March and then the construction phase of this project will be the next step. Thank you all for your continued patience with this project.
We have started the prep work for painting on the school/office building. When we get a break in the weather we will apply the final coat of paint. We have received a quote on replacement doors for the office and Pastor’s study. The gardener’s duties have been expanded to include the alley that leads to our parking lot. Hopefully you have seen the difference there. Our pest control service has stepped up their activities to help minimize some of the uninvited guests that have joined us on Sunday mornings, and our janitorial service is now coming in after our Sunday worship time to complete the cleaning activities leaving our campus clean for the upcoming week.
Director
of Music
Val Jean Swanson
"Rather Late, but Still Very Valid"
My apologies for being so tardy with this Congregational up-date! Just as I was about to present my thoughts to Pastor for inclusion in the January/February issue I learned it was already in the Mail !
But, Thank You, all, for the gracious Christmas gift...and the most unexpected bonus received in January! What a surprise! And very much appreciated...both of them!
Furthermore, I want to thank the Choir, Adult and Children, for their wonderful contributions to our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services...the results were fantastic! And I've heard many comments that support my assessment of the same.
The Choirs...and that includes the little ones...are now actively involved in preparing for Holy Week. My goal is to include the children in singing with the Adults on Palm Sunday. I eagerly encourage new voices in the Adult Choir, and sincerely appreciate the sacrifice of time and energy by those dear faithful ones who continue to make Choir a priority in their busy lives.
Blessings to each of you in the pew and choir loft. It is my distinct joy to assist you in worship at the organ and piano benches!
Val Jean
Board Of Evangelism & Assimilation
The board met in February and made many decisions for the upcoming year. This year we will again have an Egg Hunt and Brunch on Easter Sunday immediately following the Worship Service. (We will need volunteers to bring food items for the Brunch.) We will also have an Easter Ad in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin inviting people to Easter Sunday worship service. Many of the fellowship activities planned for this year are the same as what we have done in the past, though some we haven’t done for a while (a wine tasting is planned for June.)
One new direction the board hopes to take this year is to concentrate more attention to our website in lieu of print advertisements. We also decided to donate Luther’s Small Catechisms to Lutheran High School. They use the books in their theology classes and each book has a placard in it with our address, phone number and webpage address. Similarly, we purchased paperback Bibles to be handed out at St. Paul’s that will also have our information in them.
Classical Learning at St. Paul’s
Since last September, a classical Lutheran homeschool group called Grammatica has been meeting at St. Paul’s. The group is comprised of five families dedicated to the Lutheran faith and interested in the classical method of education. Started by Phaedra Shaltanis last year, Grammatica seeks to enrich and strengthen Lutheran homeschool families through a weekly class and online support group.
Following patterns of classical education, Grammatica focuses on memorization, literature, recitation, as well as basic knowledge of science, art and mathematical concepts. Each week concentrates on a Bible story and a math, science, Latin and art lesson. The children regularly memorize and recite scripture verses, poetry and hymns which allow them to more easily participate in worship services.
If interested, please feel free to visit us each Tuesday from 10:00-12:00 or talk to Phaedra for more information. There will also be an open house in May with opportunities to meet the other families and enjoy light entertainment.
Phaedra Shaltanis
