Psalm 113:5-9

“Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,” vss

For some God is far away, high and lifted up, mysterious and invisible, the transcendent Lord of the universe. And it is true that God is beyond our understanding, more than we can even imagine. But it is also true that God is close, low and nearby, personal and caring, with a heart for the poor and the needy. All over the world it is the poor who suffer the most, beaten down and crushed by repressive regimes, drowned in their make-shift boats while fleeing oppression, hungry and neglected in the midst of plenty…and where they are, God is present, constantly preserving hope and life. The Psalmist asks, “Who is like the Lord our God?” Is it not the ones who stand with God in the refugee camps and the homeless shelters, constantly offering assistance and support? In this partnership of caring the people of God are the presence of God, and the poor are raised and the needy lifted. What a blessing it is for those who move beyond fear and politics to actually be the hands and feet of God in bringing justice and mercy to our world. Sometimes it’s not convenient, and often our decision will mean real sacrifice, but there’s really no debate, standing with the poor is the work of God.

Thought for the Day: To what extent am I standing with the poor?