The phrase “preferential option for the poor,” from the Catholic Church, encapsulates an aspect of the Church’s social teaching.
It doesn’t mean that God loves the poor more than others. Rather, it indicates that in the face of injustice, followers of Jesus should prioritize the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable.
Solomon wrote,
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it. (Proverbs 3.27)
For a follower of Jesus, anyone who needs justice, has been injured, or has a practical need, has a moral claim on our assistance.
That is a strong statement and runs contrary to modern materialism and greed. However, it is supported by the message of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus.
“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your undertakings” (Deuteronomy 24:19).
When Jesus told a parable about the final judgment, he didn’t ask about church attendance or whether we had prayed a particular prayer. Rather, did we show that we had the heart of the Lord by our care for other people?
He concluded his thoughts with these words.
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25.40).
Jesus defined our neighbor as someone we encounter who needs help. The saying, “I will give it to you tomorrow,” aims less to promise aid than to rid ourselves of the petitioner.
Help that takes a long time to arrive is no help at all.
Do not say to your neighbor, “Go and come again;
tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you. (Proverbs 3.28)
We mustn’t let self-centeredness hold back our urge to do good. At times, we fall prey to laziness, indifference, selfishness, or other distractions.
Yet, as followers of Christ, every individual we encounter deserves our compassion and care.
This is challenging, but it fits exactly what Jesus taught as His call to discipleship.
“If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8.34).
Serve – Don’t Harm
Withholding kindness is concerning, but intentionally plotting harm elevates the wrongdoing immensely.
Do not plan harm against your neighbor
who lives trustingly beside you.
Do not quarrel with anyone without cause,
when no harm has been done to you. (Proverbs 3.29-30)
It is a worthwhile study to contrast Jesus’s message in Matthew 25, where he talks about serving the least of these, with the behavior denounced by the Prophet Micah.
Woe to those who devise wickedness
and evil deeds on their beds!
When the morning dawns, they perform it,
because it is in their power.
They covet fields and seize them,
houses and take them away;
they oppress householder and house,
people and their inheritance. (Micah 2.1-2)
As we compare Jesus’s love for the least of these and the thoughts of Micah, we need to be wary of the temptation to power and greed. At the same time, we should seek ways to support and advocate for the marginalized.
The option for the poor isn’t about charity. It’s about justice and ensuring that everyone is treated with the dignity they deserve as God’s creation.
Immigration concerns aren’t limited to the southern borders of the United States; it’s a global challenge.
The concept of “extractive economies” in the book, “Why Nations Fail” illustrates scenarios where the influential exploit the resources of the poor and marginalized, intensifying global migration pressures.
Furthermore, wars and famines push millions to abandon their homes in search of a decent life.
As God’s people, we must champion His desire for the well-being of these individuals. Let’s pray, “Deliver our world from the evils inflicted by the wicked.”
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 