Written by: gfesadmin on January 24, 2013

What do you do with the poor? They are often at the center of heartfelt concern in the church. But mostly they are disempowered either by their own efforts or something larger. In our local church we have been attempting to help a couple that have continually been short on rent, had tickets from past infractions with the police and needed food. We have given finances and advice and moral support. We feel as a core value we are to help the poor, but have limited funds and cannot rescue them. Their need seems to have no end, but our resources do.

This week as I read Being Consumed by William Cavanaugh, the issue of how our economy works took on a new dimension as we attempt to work with the poor. Often powerful economic forces work against those without power. Cavanaugh states, “The poor are those without resources to bring about his own deliverance.” They cannot help themselves. So out of obligation or compassion we help whom we can.

But what do the poor teach us about ourselves? Is there a vast difference in our desires in a consumer society or are we both part of the spirit of the age. It there an end to our desires? Who are the poor? In the U.S. they are consumers too. Some hope against hope that life will get better in some magical way. But both the poor and the well off are part of a consumer society that exists to stir desire that is never satisfied. Who are the poor? Not just those without resources, but those without joy. We can equate it with being too attached to material things. But perhaps it is more.

Cavanaugh states, “Consumerism is a restless spirit that is never content with any particular material thing.” (xi.) It is more than acquiring more stuff; it is the pursuit of more and more. We consume and move on the next thing. What he says that is insightful is that the free market has no end to which desire is directed, no telos. We costume with no recognition of the goal of our lives. (P. 5) This is not just about wanting too much, it is a matter of wanting without any idea of why we what we want. (P.14)

The reality that we are the body of Christ gives a better picture on how we view the poor than the consumer economy. We have an end to which all our desires are to move. People are not commodities to be used. Communion is a picture of all healthy relationships. God shares his life with us. Each of us opens our lives to him. Then we open our lives to each other. Sharing our common love for Jesus. Sharing whatever we can so each person can thrive. We give to the poor not out of obligation. We give so they can thrive too. When circumstances take the ability to live, we step in. We share a common concern. As in 1 Corinthians 12, we care for weaker members. When one suffers, all suffer.

We are to work together for our mutual well-being. Cavanaugh asserts that every exchange is evaluated by whether it contributes to the flourishing of all people. (p.vii). What is our responsibly to the poor? One that Cavanaugh points out is to direct both the giver and receiver toward right desires. We are to move both to a good end. (p.13)

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