Giving Alms is a moment of Draught

Giving Alms in a moment of Draught

Who among us is always looking for a reason to hold onto the accumulation of earthly treasures that seem to satisfy our desires of greed?  There are some who will take offense with the idea that securing wealth is just a manner of preparing for tomorrow in case of a recession.   However, as we continue to accumulate money, land, or prestige that few can emulate, it should be enough for those that await Christ’s return to look after the many who cannot become like the rest of us.

Almsgiving has always referred to money for the poor.  In today’s identification of the poor we must also place those people who are harassed, beaten up and some pushed away from the very tenets of humanity’s basic needs and desires.  Who are these that I am referring to?  The nation of Israel and every Jewish citizen that are here with us in the United States.  Does this scenario fitt with the third week of Lent?  It should have entered our hearing the first week and continue through the Passion of Christ.  Unless we forget, Israel is the chosen nation of God beginning with Abraham and his call from God.  The first men that were called to follow Jesus were Jewish.  The Master, Jesus Christ, was also a Jew as were his Mother and St, Joseph. 

The draught referred to is the very entity that is looking to destroy Israel, its citizens, and the precious protection of God over this nation.  We may count our prayers, fasting, and alms that we give as sound attributes for a good Lent.  But, in this 21st century where there are so many nations and dictatorships ready to wipe Israel off the map and out of history, the sacrifices we adhere to become mute if the Jewish people become a past thought that no longer holds a place in the Passion of Christ. 

How easy it becomes to follow the dictates of written pronouncements regarding our holding onto strict methods to satisfy some rule during the Holy days of the Easter Triduum.  As great as these are concerning our own salvation we must remember that this Jewish man who is part of the Incarnation that sent him to us is to save the nation of Israel.  Jesus said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  (Mt 15: 24).  

We dare not to hold our heads high as our sight views the Easter Candle without placing the concerns of University students who are terrified to continue their studies as Christian students and many adults that are on a premise to eliminate the presence of Jewish students.  

Of course, I am not the only writer standing among many ministers, Catholic and Evangelicals, that are calling for peaceful promotions to support the Jewish people and Israel as well.  Since we have been included with the Jewish nation through the Incarnation, we have a mandate to stand strong for what God called Abraham to produce as his inheritance. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you;  I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.  All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.”  (Gn 12: 2 - 3).

Ralph B. Hathawa