22 December 2004

Another beginning piece from "A Passion for the Possible" by William Sloane Coffin.



Obviously the churches have to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless. But they have also to remember that the answer to homelessness is homes, not shelters. What the poor and the downtrodden need is not piecemeal charity, but justice. And to show how charity can actually impede the progress of justice, Karl Marx once said to a group of church folk: "You Christians have a vested interest in unjust structures which produce victims, to whom you then can our out your hearts in charity." His insight, of course, was biblical before it was Marxist, for biblical justice asks not only that we alleviate the effects of injustice, but that we eradicate the causes of it.



This piece comes after our congregation has completed the clothing, feeding and giving toys to over 3000 people at what is call Project Help. These are hard words to hear from Marx, and yet, deep down his critique of our work is right on target. I just don't know what to do...next. How do we enter into the work that goes on beyond charity and at the same time make sure that some very basic needs are met in the meantime? How do we help keep ourselves focused and on task with seeking justice for all and in that, peace...as in the healing of all.



Connection: I know it is not easy to question what we do...especially when we can do such a good job at something - like being charitable. Once again it may mean that we ask others for help in keeping our minds and hearts open to ways the Reign of God opens up a whole new way of going about the care of others and the use of our resources.



Thank you, Lord for opening our eyes to see the way of justice in our world. Help us to push beyond the good works we do in order to provide for those in need so that some of our energy and gifts will be used to support efforts that change the structures of our society and rebuild the lives of people in need. Amen.