March 4, 2020 - Wednesday Worship - Poverty

Pastor Ray introduced those gathered for this Wednesday worship to the structure of this evening's worship and for the upcoming Wednesdays in Lent.

This was a worship for silence and contemplation.  For me this week's topic for the Reflection of Poverty did not lend itself to quiet contemplation. Internally I felt the same way at this service as I did when Paul McCartney, sang Let It Be at Live Aid in 1985. The majority of that concert was a shout to pay attention to those affected by the Ethiopian famine and a plea to do something to take action. Yet if that audience just 'Let it Be', as the song suggests, nothing would have improved.

Singing Kelly's song Quiet Our Soul did not quiet my soul at this service or, more precisely, each time it did the Poverty concept and topic screamed in my mind "No, don't be quiet - DO SOMETHING. Status quo is not working. Change is needed."

Christianity is love in action but the world is complicated and so are we. The words Pastor Ray read chastised any who would act by simply giving the marginalized a hand out. Even an offering that might alleviate a temporary need of the poor seemed drained of potency.

Particularly now, in this time in America, paying attention to those in long term poverty seems to be more appropriate to deal with in the political realm rather than a direct response through the church. To act on solutions beyond handouts while simultaneously participating in a political and economic system that either directly ignores or blames the poor for their lot in life is sad. It seems disingenuous to profit from a lot of societal wealth and then give a little back to those that aren't benefiting. Perhaps this does ease the mind of some.

Obviously we can help individuals who we encounter directly, through volunteering or through human services but I doubt there were any persuaded to do that by this particular service. And, if they were persuaded, there is little to do at the moment besides giving handouts as respectfully as possible.

I thought about and understood Matthew 26:11 as I left when Jesus said  "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me." 

The back of the bulletin suggested that we try not to waste food as one possible discipline for Lent. Yet the food we might save as individuals is dwarfed by the amount of food wasted in the distribution system that gets it to our table.

Obviously I did not internalize this service with quiet contemplation.