by Claudia Windal

Created on: March 31, 2010   Last Updated: April 02, 2010

We tend to judge people on their incomes, what "side of the tracks" they have their homes, the model of their automobile, their attire, and other externals we often judge contrary to the teachings of Jesus. All too often, we laud wealth while condemning poverty while we consider only the external manifestations upon which we make our judgments.

The teachings of Jesus are meant to lead us to understand that in and of itself, wealth is good if appreciated and used appropriately. Problems arise when we worship wealth more that we do God. We find that the more we have the more we want. We want that wealth for ourselves and often do not look beyond the impact of using wealth for the common good of our neighbor. Today, we hear stories of wealthy communities who have opportunities positively impact the lives of people living with Alzheimer's Disease through the opening of assisted living facilities designed for their needs and abilities. Rather than embrace the opportunity to reach out in compassion and concern for those who need safe, housing, they instead, raise their voices in protest saying, "Not in our back yard." Recently, a new eating disorder clinic proposed a half way house for some of their clients, and again, the local community protested. Why? Why do these individuals and communities protest these good deeds? Their rationale is that property values will decline, families will not feel safe around "those people" and there were no provisions for such facilities in the original community plans.

Jesus taught us to be generous with our wealth and to not hoard it. We must rejoice at our good fortune without becoming greedy and thinking only of ourselves. He didn't ask anyone what their financial status was when he offered them his words, care, and concern. When he cured a rich man's child, he didn't demand compensation for his good works. Jesus taught the disciples to take with them only what they needed for their journey: a tunic, sandals, and to stop and eat with those they met along the way.

Jesus taught that we are to care for the poor. Recall the beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit......blessed are those who mourn......Blessed are the meek.....Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness....Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Because their situations place them in positions to call upon God for assistance, and their willingness to place themselves in God's arms, they will receive food, consolation,

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