Today's reading sets out general welfare laws for the orderly running of a society.
In an age when greed seems to rule the day, we are told that we are responsible for those less fortunate. We are to be open-handed and sharing, rather than closed and hoarding.
It would appear also that this is a personal responsibility, not a governmental one.
How often do we see something amiss and fail to respond to it because "it's none of my business"? If there is a need, it is our business.
I believe that this applies not just to physical needs, although that is the focus here, but also to spiritual and emotional needs as well.
When someone is starving for attention, what does it cost to pay a little attention? When someone is feeling worthless, how expensive is it to remind him that he's important to God -- and to you?
And if there is a physical need which you can help, what are you sacrificing if you address that need?
We are a busy, self-absorbed society. That isn't the picture God paints for societal welfare in this passage.
Father, God,
Open our eyes to see the needs around us as You see them. Make us sensitive to others, so that we can be used of You to supply those needs.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
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