Moment of Meditation: Poor with You Always (Matthew 26:11)

''For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me (Matthew 26:11).''

One of the great appeals of the idealistic, futuristic science-fiction movies and programs is the solution of the world's greatest problems. Especially poverty. As a lifelong Star Trek(TM) fan, the financial equality of everyone is a great draw to listen to the ideas of the futuristic setting. But there was an outside influence that brought about the end of poverty on Earth.

Human beings cannot eliminate poverty unless we get rid of every material thing that grants us a bit of status among our neighbors. To get rid of poverty, we have to get rid of the riches as well. To balance everything out so that everyone has equal access. One of Karl Marx's great economic goals with his theories on social development.

Since human nature doesn't like to share, Marxism and Communism have been declared for the last seventy years or so as one of the ultimate evils of mankind. A spawn of the devil, you might say. But this is the way that the early Church lived and worked. There were those in the Church who would sell property on occasion to help those in need.

It was never enough. It will never be enough. Jesus says it Himself, "You always have the poor with you." The poor will always be here to help. But above all, we must cling to Jesus and His righteousness. Because He left the disciples to die on the cross for your sins. Amen.