Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Isaiah 1:16-17
Jesus had harsh words for the scribes and Pharisees when he urged the people not to follow their example. Do as they say but not as they do for their actions belie their words and burden those around them. Essentially he called them hypocrites of the first order, and they were not to be emulated nor admired, except in their knowledge of Mosaic law that promulgated goodness.
Doing good, Isaiah goes on to say is to bring justice into the world: redress the wronged and defend the marginalized; to lighten people’s burdens, not add to them as the Pharisees did. As Christians we don’t need to be reminded that Jesus had a preferential option for the poor, he always sought to balance the scales of social justice, to bring more equality to the world through a love that was practical and effective.
While we know alms-giving is a main focus of Lent, we should not forget about it the rest of the year. Keep an eye out to see what needs to be set right and act accordingly. How can I personally be the boy who unceasingly threw one starfish at a time back into the ocean during low tide so that it would not dry up and die on the sand.
Poverty or social injustice is a widespread reality, more so in COVID-19 times. Lend a helping hand today, give your time, and more importantly, give your money.
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