God, in your goodness you have made a home for the poor. (Psalm 67)
Jesus speaks uncomfortable, heavenly truths to his host, the Pharisee, and we all wonder if he appreciated the heavenly wisdom.
Jesus is giving this message to the settled and financially secure, the righteous and well-intentioned. What is so difficult for us to accept and understand is that, in this Gospel, Jesus is stating God’s preference for the poor. He holds the materially poor, the oppressed, the weak and defenceless so much closer to his heart. The prophets – Isaiah, Amos, Micah – tried to teach this divine message, but we are very slow learners.
