Jesus commanded a young man: "Go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor" (Mt 19:21). Jesus came to preach the Good News to the poor (Lk 4:18). Jesus was poor (2 Cor 8:9), loves the poor, and expects us to make great sacrifices for the poor. At his conversion, Zacchaeus realized this and said: "I give half my belongings, Lord, to the poor" (Lk 19:8). The early Church also understood Jesus' emphasis on sacrificing for the poor. Some Christians gave to the poor even beyond their means so that Paul had to counsel them: "The willingness to give should accord with one's means, not go beyond them" (2 Cor 8:12). How many times have our pastors had to send our checks back to us because we had gone overboard in giving? Are we better than some early Christians in budgeting, or are we selfish and stingy by New Testament standards?

Missionaries, pastors, and relief organizations repeatedly tell us they desperately need money to reach people with the Gospel and to save the lives of the starving and the sick. They are telling us the truth. How can we stand by idly when our neighbor's life is at stake? (Lv 19:16) "I ask you, how can God's love survive in a man who has enough of this world's goods yet closes his heart to his brother when he sees him in need?" (1 Jn 3:17)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2017

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