Pope Francis’ famous question comes to my mind “Who am I to judge?”

by Shiu Lan
2018-11-11
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

1Kings 17:10 - 16


Hebrews 9:24 - 28


Mark 12:38 - 44


This Sunday’s gospel reading teaches us the true meaning of giving; the poor widow who contributes “out of her poverty” and shares her “two small copper coins, which are worth a penny” with those poorer than herself (Mark 12:42, 44).

The first reading tells us about the widow who is not afraid to do as Elijah asks and makes him a cake with what little she has remaining in her jar of meal and jug of oil. She has faith in the promise of the God of Israel as spoken through Elijah, “The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth” (1 Kings 17:14). Indeed, the jar of meal does not empty and the jug of oil does not fail. Her faith has turned into abundant grace. It is an inspiring story for us to bear in mind as the season of giving approaches.

Let us also hear from the Holy Father about works of mercy in the present day and age. Pope Francis said that in this media-driven era, the current trend is for us to be moved by a certain image in the media, or by a certain item of news, or a campaign for a certain cause. Generous donations are made and in this way, one can contribute to alleviate the suffering of many. This form of charity is important, the Pope said, but it does not directly get us involved as when we cross the path of a person in need, when we see poverty in the flesh of a man, a woman, or a child. Gradually we get into the habit of avoiding those in need, not approaching them and following the current trend of keeping away from them. The Pope asked his audience on October 19, 2016, “Do I look elsewhere and walk by? Or do I stop to speak to him and take an interest in his situation? […] Do I see if I can welcome this person in some way, or do I try to get away from him as soon as possible? But perhaps he is only asking for what is needed: something to eat and drink” (“Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty” Pope Francis’ General Audience, St Peter’s Square, October 19, 2016).

When I ask myself the same questions, I must admit that I often have a hard time getting near people on the streets as society seemingly offers an adequate social security network to the unemployed and the less fortunate. I fail to understand why people need to ask for food and drink; I even think that their present predicament must be the outcome of bad decisions they have made in life. I want to keep away from them, as Pope Francis precisely observed. But Jesus teaches us that these people are my neighbours. Is it right for me to draw a conclusion without any knowledge about them? They might have been driven to the margins of society by pressures beyond what they can bear. If I were put to the test in their circumstances and experience what they have experienced in life, would I make the same decisions and end up on the streets? I don’t know; I have not been tested. Maybe I would be like them; maybe I would fare worse than these people whom I want to avoid. Then Pope Francis’ famous question comes to my mind: “Who am I to judge?”

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