Episode Transcript
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Often when I’m out for a walk along the Brisbane river
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I see people without homes camping along the paths.
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These people are someone’s daughter or son,
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somebody’s brother or sister.
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They are my sisters and brothers,
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who are living on my doorstep.
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This Sunday’s scripture readings challenge me
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to see those who are in need,
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to know them as beloved sisters and brothers,
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and to enact God’s care for them.
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The proclamation of the prophet Amos, in the first reading,
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and the gospel parable,
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awaken us to our commitment
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as a Christian community
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to care especially for the poor and the vulnerable,
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whether it be in support of the homeless,
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migrants, those escaping domestic violence,
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or people isolated by mental illness and sickness.
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Our Christian commitment
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compels us to know and love the poor
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by creating spaces of belonging
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and by acting for change that makes it possible
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for people to be fed, clothed, safely sheltered
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and to live fully.
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Jesus addresses the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man
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to the Pharisees,
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who are described earlier in this gospel,
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as ‘lovers of money’.
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In Luke’s gospel
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to love means to choose something over all else.
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Jesus speaks out against choosing money over people.
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Jesus chooses differently.
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God chooses differently.
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Love for the poor, is not only about giving money and things,
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but it is also about extending the hand of friendship to those in need.
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To begin with a smile,
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or with patiently listening to a request for help.
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To know names and stories
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and share an experience of belonging.
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To welcome and invite the poor to the table,
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not as a problem to be solved,
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but as brothers and sisters who are loved.
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How will you love the poor this week?
