Re: Time to enrich the poverty debate (B.C. Views, March 9)
I am always astonished how the quote “The poor shall always be with us” is used by people with little understanding of theology or compassion for the poor.
This particular quote was used by Jesus to remind his followers about their priorities. The complete quote is: “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” (Matthew 26:11)
When taken in the context of his ministry, it is clear that what Jesus is pointing to is as long as there are needy people in this world, his followers must always walk with them and support their efforts to sit at the table of plenty.
Faith-based social activists like myself would suggest if the teachings of faith were lived out in the political and community structures we create, poverty would not exist.
As Tom Fletcher said, for 2,000 years we have been struggling with how to open the hearts and minds of people who look at the world through the lens of scarcity and competition; who believe the more stuff one has, the more successful one must be; and whose love of personal comfort and convenience has cost the earth dearly.
I challenge you to enrich the poverty debate by taking the politics out of this issue and working harder to see the real human beings behind the numbers.
Susan Draper
Victoria
