Sometimes it's hard to pay attention to the readings we think we know. Today's gospel is one that can fit into that category.
One year when I asked my grade 8 and 9 students to bring in food for our church's food pantry, one girl was embarrassed to say that she wasn't allowed to bring anything in because some of the people who come to the pantry came in cars, and her mother said that if they had a car, then they could afford food.
I have heard people question giving to other organizations that help the poor for similar reasons – if they weren't so lazy, they could get a job; they get enough from the welfare office; if they just stopped having children, drinking, doing drugs, smoking, they could afford their rent, food, gas, oil, etc.
I have known people who have lost jobs, whose husbands or wives have walked out on them, who have faced devastating illness, who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, and sick.
I have also known people who have used the system to their own advantage, who are truly guilty of the crimes that put them into prison.
Today we have a real problem with welcoming the stranger. So many are fleeing those countries where their lives are in jeopardy. It can be difficult to find countries willing to welcome them and give them sanctuary.
As many times as I have read this gospel, I have never read that Jesus tells us to only feed, clothe or house those who are worthy of our care.
I never read that Jesus told us to visit the sick or imprisoned if they were innocent of actions that placed them there.
Who are the least of our brothers and sisters? Who are the most vulnerable, the marginalized? Who are we to judge the worthiness of anyone in need?
If Jesus tells us that prostitutes and tax collectors will be in heaven before the Pharisees and Scribes, then what is he trying to tell us?
