Pope Says Concern for Poor Is Gospel, Not Communism

[riversedge]

Source: AP


Pope Says Concern for Poor Is Gospel, Not Communism
VATICAN CITY — Jan 11, 2015, 1:44 AM ET

Associated Press


........Some U.S. conservatives have branded the first Latin American pope a Marxist for his frequent critiques of consumerism and focus on a church "that is poor and for the poor." But in an interview contained in a new book, Francis explains that his message is rooted in the Gospel and has been echoed by church fathers since Christianity's first centuries.

"The Gospel does not condemn the wealthy, but the idolatry of wealth, the idolatry that makes people indifferent to the call of the poor," Francis says in "This Economy Kills," a study of the pope's economic and social teachings, excerpts of which were provided Sunday to The Associated Press.

Specifically, Francis summarized a verse from the Gospel of Matthew which is the essential mission statement of his papacy: "I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was in prison, I was sick, I was naked and you helped me, clothed me, visited me, took care of me."

"Caring for our neighbor, for those who are poor, who suffer in body and soul, for those who are in need: this is the touchstone. Is it pauperism? No. It is the Gospel.".....

Read more: http://www.alan.com/2015/01/11/pope-caring-for-the-poor-a-touchstone-of-christianity-not-communism/#ixzz3OWswACFL

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Pope: Caring For The Poor A 'Touchstone' Of Christianity, Not Communism http://wp.me/p2Gw9I-HXA #tcot #Republicans #wipolitics




Pope: Caring For The Poor A ‘Touchstone’ Of Christianity, Not Communism
January 11, 2015 | Filed under: Economy,Politics,Religion,Top Stories | Posted by: Alan



Pope Francis is answering his critics who think he’s a Marxist because of his criticisms of the global economic system.

Some U.S. conservatives have branded the first Latin American pope a Marxist for his frequent critiques of consumerism and focus on a church “that is poor and for the poor.” But in an interview contained in a new book, Francis explains that his message is rooted in the Gospel and has been echoed by church fathers since Christianity’s first centuries.

“The Gospel does not condemn the wealthy, but the idolatry of wealth, the idolatry that makes people indifferent to the call of the poor,” Francis says in “This Economy Kills,” a study of the pope’s economic and social teachings, excerpts of which were provided Sunday to The Associated Press.

Specifically, Francis summarized a verse from the Gospel of Matthew which is the essential mission statement of his papacy: “I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was in prison, I was sick, I was naked and you helped me, clothed me, visited me, took care of me.”

“Caring for our neighbor, for those who are poor, who suffer in body and soul, for those who are in need: this is the touchstone. Is it pauperism? No. It is the Gospel.”


Read more: http://www.alan.com/2015/01/11/pope-caring-for-the-poor-a-touchstone-of-christianity-not-communism/#ixzz3OWswACFL

[tblue]

1. I'm becoming a Popehead

this Pope!

[olegramps]

10. He very well may be the spark that will ignite the 90% to action.

He is providing a powerful message that can be fully supported by millions of Christians since it is the very essence of the most important and fundamental of Jesus' teachings. It provides absolute moral justification to take determined action. Some fundamentalists sects will find their justification of the worship of money be unattainable. Jesus provided a powerful example when he drove the money changers out of the temple.

[calimary]

26. Or the 99%.

Starting with his take-down of that fucking blasphemous and utterly deceitful abomination: "Trickle-down." Just another fancy-ass phrase that's meant to sound good and harmless but, in practicality, really means - the rich pee on the rest of you. You have to stand there under them and just hope if they have more than enough, that MAYBE they'll drop maybe a crumb or two down toward you. MAYBE. If they feel like it that day. BULLSHIT.

I remember interviewing that scheming manipulator arthur laffer - he of the "Laffer Curve" that purported to prove how the proverbial "rising tide raises all boats." Well, not if most of 'em are tethered to a dead end. It just means when the tide rises, THOSE boats get drowned. But he didn't see it that way. He WOULDN'T see it that way. Simplistic sloganeering was all he was interested in. The better to fool, and CON, the unsuspecting.

You've gotta watch these speakers with their forked tongues. You HAVE TO listen carefully and pay close attention. Cuz they're VERY good at using their fancy wording and their frank luntz focus-group-tested professional sloganeering to distract the desperate and gullible, and smoke-screen the unsuspecting, and lull their listeners into nice, comfy sleep so there's less open, OR wide-awake opposition. WMD in every sense. Weapons of Mass Distraction.

Dear God I hope we're starting to wake up - as a nation.

Funny - as I wrote that, I happened to look up at the TV, and saw this handmade sign displayed from the huge public display of support for Charlie Hebdo in Paris: "Je pense, donc je suis." "I think, therefore I am."

Cogito ergo sum (French: Je pense donc je suis; English: I think, therefore I am), often mistakenly stated as Dubito ergo cogito ergo sum (English: "I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am&quot , is a philosophical Latin statement used by René Descartes, which became a fundamental element of Western philosophy.
Cogito ergo sum - Princeton University
www.princeton.edu/~achaney/.../Cogito_ergo_sum.ht...Princeton University

[Thespian2]

90. Excellent post

Unfortunately, the Frank Luntz's of the country (Fux News, for example) know that 40% or more of Americans are low-information people. They do not know what is going on; they do not care what is going on; and they are proud of their ignorance. I tried to teach some of them in a college course in Virginia. Shut up and give me an "A," seemed to be all they wanted.

[roguevalley]

32. I believe its Matthew 25:33-44

Since the Jesus movement was known as the Way of the Poor, I think some people need their heads examined. No wonder when you see that title its shortened to The Way.
Go, Pope!

[saidsimplesimon]

63. I'm not becoming a Popehead. My support is with

anyone who works for change. I'm a progressive, "Bad to the bone".

[SoapBox]

2. Heresy!

...say the 1%er's!!!

[lobodons]

3. I love how the Pope

I love how the Pope keeps bitch slapping the Conservatives.

[mazzarro]

21. +1000, Amen - n/t

[pangaia]

23. He is not 'bitch slapping' anyone.

He is speaking truth.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

27. it just seems like bitch-slapping to them.

Imagine how that Catholic League jerk must be feeling.

[pangaia]

29. Personally, I find the term 'bitch slapping' disgusting.

[WinstonSmith4740]

30. True that!

He is reflecting Christ's teachings more than any other pope since John XXIII. But the 1% are whiny little bitches who think anyone who dares point out the inequity of wealth distribution in the world is declaring war on them. So they'll complain about being slapped, whether or not they have been.

If this man had been pope when I was in school, I might still be a Catholic.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

24. another +1000. Amen!

From this lil ol' Buddhist.

Go Pope!

[antigop]

4. oh, now that's just crazy talk.

[PatrickforO]

53. Yeah, the guy's clearly a little...

pink...

[vlyons]

5. It's time for some sermons on Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple

This story is in all 4 canonical gospels. So it's not like it's an obscure citation.

[MattSh]

9. Sort of like this?

[roguevalley]

33. What a great image. Thank you. :D

That's my homey.

[happyslug]

36. we should start a campaign with that picture.

Aim it for Holy Week. A
Send it to your conservative friends.

[chrisa]

6. US Conservatives are such superficial assholes. This is proof.

The very thought of helping people enrages them. The main goal of life, in their opinion, should be to hoard as much wealth as possible. Everything is about superficial bs like status, what car you drive, and how much money you have in the bank. None of this makes them happy - they become even more bitter, guarding what they have like a bridge troll. That's what I call a sad existence.

[greymattermom]

16. Like the hoarders on tv

I hadn't thought of it that way, but those extreme hoarders are all seriously depressed. They all smile when the hoard is gone.

[Populist_Prole]

19. Excellent summation

It's so obvious, but with them inside their tribal bubble they can't see the irony, or rather their hypocrisy.

It really must be an exhausting existence to always have to be in bitter hate mode...all the time.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

28. yes, truly.

I think it's a cult...some come by the beliefs without much help, having anti-social tendencies, an excessively competitive nature, low-intelligence and low empathy, other cognitive deficits like poor abstract thinking skills......
Others are followers, dependent thinkers or shaky self-identity, ripe for a cult that provides strict thinking guidelines....
Others are easily influenced by authority figures, Hate Media being a prime example.
Or a combination of any of such.

And some are just sad, fucked-up, military casualties, habituated to aggression, negative long-term alcoholics whose brains are getting mushy.....like my ex.
LoL. .........Sort of.

[Populist_Prole]

31. Love that breakdown

Should be in a reference manual.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

41. thank you!

I'm honored.

[DesertDawg]

91. CONservatism beyond a shadow of a doubt

IS a Cult. Ayn Rand is the leader and Money is their God. Good on the Pope for taking them on, if he keeps it up he just may convert me to the Catholic Church!

[BlancheSplanchnik]

92. Ayn Rand seeded the ideology, but Fux Spews is their Jim Jones.

<-----kool aid

[pangaia]

25. That is true.

Problem is many 'democratic' politicians are the same.

[dorkzilla]

52. Here is David Brooks’ contribution to the enragement from just today!

What an asshole...

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/01/david-brooks-to-liberals-stop-donating-to-charity-and-make-police-the-central-anti-poverty-program/

[Roy Rolling]

64. What a Maroon

If law enforcement can end poverty, then why not just pass a law making it a crime to be poor?

[Historic NY]

71. You tax money already goes to them....

what charity are they serving except themselves or the few police related ones.

[JDPriestly]

73. The mistake that conservatives like Brooks make is this.

"Brooks remarked. “You can’t get rich if you’re afraid of getting shot in the back of the head at night.”

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/01/david-brooks-to-liberals-stop-donating-to-charity-and-make-police-the-central-anti-poverty-program/

The purpose of our lives and of our economy is not that we all "get rich." It is that we all live ethically, morally, socially good lives, that we love each other as we love ourselves.

Jesus instructed his disciples over and over and over to love each other. We create wealth to help our fellow human beings and ourselves live better. Being or getting rich in the sense that we get rich at the expense of others or while others remain poor is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.

If Hell exists (and I repeat IF, in other words hypothetically pretending or imagining that hell exists) it is full of conservatives who think that their getting rich as individuals can make them happy. They will suffer for that idea. It's sharing and helping others that make us happy, not being rich.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

54. Here's a quote from that darling of the conservatives, Adam Smith

"All for ourselves, and nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind".

[bulloney]

83. They're superficial and hypocrites.

Our pastor, who's been known to give sermons along the line of Catholicism being the only Christian religion, read off a bunch of statistics indicating that Catholics make up a higher-than-average percentage of the public servant population. He pointed out to a case where several firefighters died in the line of duty at a major fire and they were all Catholic, even though Catholics made up less than 20% of that city's population.

When hearing this sermon, I looked all around the church to see if that sermon resonated with anyone in the audience. I live in one of those ultra-right-wing parts of the U.S. where everyone bitches about paying taxes and big government. Yet, according to our pastor, Catholics tend to hold more of those stinkin' taxpayer-funded gubmint jobs.

I really wonder if anyone in the audience made that connection.

[Joey Liberal]

7. Conservatives hate the poor, the sick, the elderly and the disabled

But they sure love money, guns, war and power.

[AngryDem001]

76. Don't forget:

They hate atheists, non-christians, women......

[Baitball Blogger]

8. Why did it take so long for someone to point out the obvious?

This one interpretation of the bible is the reason that support for Democratic programs always made sense to me. If you really want a government that will take us in the direction of a Christian nation, vote Democratically.

[Tommymac]

11. ^^^ This ^^^

From the heart and soul of an Agnostic living in a 'Christian' paradise, praise goes to you.

What the conservatives preach is the farthest thing from Christianity (or any charitable faith) imaginable. Just google the net worth of any mega church or TV Evangelist...

...isn't Greed one of the major sins? Didn't Moses come down from the mountain with a rule or something about avarice? I believe Buddha sat under that tree and had a few things to say about it too...as did Mohammed and a few Hindu deities...

[roguevalley]

35. it is. a rich roman once came to Jesus (with a slave)

and asked him how he could serve and follow Jesus. Jesus told him to get rid of his stuff, sell it and give all his money away to the poor. He left because he couldn't do it. That is what Jesus thought about money.

Given that he depended upon others for food and shelter as he taught a good way to live and treat each other, it is blasphemy to say the opposite. The pope is spot on.

[cilla4progress]

13. 'Zactly what I'm thinking

So much hypocrisy it hurts the head ...

This is the ONE THING about religion that has ever spoken to me, a humanist pagan agnostic fallen Unitarian Universalist!

And yes, it is present in every religion and summed up as:

- we are all connected

- the Golden Rule

- do unto others as you would have them do unto you

- "as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me .... "


Until we truly live this way, this life on earth will only be hell.

[pangaia]

12. Oh, oh. NOW he's in trouble.

[PumpkinAle]

14. It doesn't matter because the fundamentalists

"Christians" don't recognize the Pope and as for his "caring and compassion" well they're just alien to the fundies.

[Bluenorthwest]

17. So you are saying that some people who are anti gay, anti choice and oppsed to all birth control

are NOT fundies? What then puts the fun in fundie? What other right wing conservative views can a religious person hold without being a 'fundie'? What beliefs must a 'fundie' have?

To me, those who oppose equality and choice because of religion are fundies, props, costumes and rhetoric do not change that. What are your standards?

[PumpkinAle]

20. This was regarding how fundamentalists would view the Pope's speech

There is a difference between Fundamentalists and Catholics (and yes there are right wing conservatives who discriminate in the Catholic church, but Fundamentalists are known for their discrimination across the board).....

The belief that is first and foremost the defining characteristic of Fundamentalists is their reliance on the Bible to the complete exclusion of any authority exercised by the Church. The second is their insistence on a faith in Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior.

"Do you accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?" they ask. "Have you been saved?" This is unmodified Christian individualism, which holds that the individual is saved, without ever considering his relationship to a church, a congregation, or anyone else. It is a one-to-one relationship, with no community, no sacraments, just the individual Christian and his Lord. And the Christian knows when he has been saved, down to the hour and minute of his salvation, because his salvation came when he "accepted" Christ. It came like a flash.

In that instant, many Fundamentalists believe, their salvation is assured. There is now nothing that can undo it. Without that instant, that moment of acceptance, a person would be doomed to eternal hell. And that is why the third most visible characteristic of Fundamentalism is the emphasis on evangelism. If sinners do not undergo the same kind of salvation experience Fundamentalists have undergone, they will go to hell. Fundamentalists perceive a duty to spread their faith—what can be more charitable than to give others a chance for escaping hell?—and they often have been successful.

Their success is partly due to their discipline. For all their talk about the Catholic Church being "rule-laden," there are perhaps no Christians who operate in a more regimented manner. Their rules—non-biblical rules, one might add—extend not just to religion and religious practices proper, but to facets of everyday life. Most people are familiar with their strictures on drinking, gambling, dancing, and smoking.
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/fundamentalism

Makes for an interesting read.

[Yupster]

39. I think a fundies view would be

Of course the Gospel demands we help the poor.

That's why we volunteer at the food bank and adopt so many children.

It is our obligation come direct from Jesus.

Helping the poor is Gospel.

Telling the government to go help the poor is communism, or at least Ebeneezer Scrooge.

[pnwmom]

42. A Christian fundamentalist is one who thinks each sentence from the Bible

can be taken literally, and out of context, as the word of God.

The concept of Christian fundamentalism is not related to specific doctrine or beliefs, but an attitude toward the unerring authority of the Bible. However, neither birth control nor abortion are even mentioned in the bible.

Though it is most commonly applied to Protestants, some people use the term for conservative Catholics with similar attitudes about authority. But this is not Catholic teaching and most Catholics around the world make their own decisions about moral issues, including abortion and birth control.

[Bluenorthwest]

45. So the differnce is that when Catholics are anti gay and anti choice it's ok but not when others do

the same. Got it. And you have no understanding of Fundamentalists, which is why you don't recognize them by their actions.

Anti gay and anti choice people who rattle on about demonic influences are fundies. With or without a rosary. Sorry if it bothers your personal narrative but that's how it is. I mean, you do know that protestant evangelicals also go get an abortion if it suits their needs, just as Catholics don't really follow the faith if they don't feel like it. It's the same thing, they do as they please but continue to send messages that others are not also free to do as they please. Hypocrisy is not really a virtue. Claiming to hold dogmas precious when those dogmas harm others while treating them casually when applied to yourself is not a positive trait.

[pnwmom]

60. As usual, you can't resist distorting what was just said. Never mind. n/t

[Bradical79]

69. Fundamentalists have a fundamental problem with the bible

I'm an atheist who doesn't think the bible is a particularly good book to go to for moral guidance in general, but what the Pope is talking about here is a straightforward theme found in some very important parts of the bible. Openly preaching against one of the major messages of Jesus in the stories about him (stories of which their entire religion is based on) seems like a pretty big no no for people who think this guy is always watching and is the sole being in the universe that has power to judge whether you get to go to heaven or hell. Just another in a long list of things I find baffling about conservatives.

[Bluenorthwest]

15. The gospel message is about all who are 'the least among us', those who are not equal to others

The Pope is talking about what he should be talking about, but he needs to examine the larger lessons of those verses from Matthew and think about how he himself treats some of those who are lesser than others in law and in society. Even Michael Jackson knew it has to start with the man in the mirror. Maybe Francis will figure it out in time.
Mistreatment of your neighbor is not the gospel. This includes your LGBT neighbors, Frank. The ones you call disordered and influenced by the devil.

[butterfly77]

18. Kick,kick,kicked&Recommended!

[Duval]

49. I'm with you, butterfly77 nt

[HoosierCowboy]

22. Alas....

....the filthy rich shall always be among you

[roguevalley]

37. LOL, HoosierCowboy. How true. :D

[Hekate]

34. KnR. Keep on truckin', Francis. nt

[elzenmahn]

38. It's ABOUT TIME...

...this message was broadcast by somebody in a position of power and influence.

The 1% are scared out of their Depends because of this Pope and his daring to actually preach the Gospel.

Good.

[SamKnause]

40. Caring for the poor has nothing to do with the Gospel.

If you are born with a conscience, if you have empathy, if you have sympathy, you will react in a humane way.

If you share and expect or want nothing in return you have these qualities.

If you believe everyone has the right to a home, food, and an education, you have these qualities.

If you believe hording massive sums of money is repulsive, you have these qualities.

I treat others the way I wish to be treated.

I am an Atheist.

The Gospel plays no part in my life or my actions.

[pnwmom]

44. It doesn't for you. It isn't a necessary foundation for caring for others.

But for many others, it is the essential message of the Bible. In that sense, it has everything to do with the Bible.

[Bluenorthwest]

46. The essential message is that the way we treat others determines all things.

That which you do unto the LGBT people, you do unto Jesus, the Christ. Make sure he does not have equal rights, say he's disordered and influenced by demons, that's not very respectful to the Christ, now is it?

[SamKnause]

50. That may well be.

Do the majority of believers practice the 'message' from the Bible or other religious books ?

I don't think they do.

I know the wealthy and powerful who PRETEND to be religious do not.

They use religion to get elected.

They use religion to fund raise.

Our government is filled with multi millionaires.

Their bills, actions, and statements prove they don't care about the 'message' or they never got the 'message'.

It is the same all over the globe.

The haves pretend to be religious to keep the have nots under their control.

[uppityperson]

56. And those are the things the gospel says.

Because it is written, you reject it? Do you reject all inspiring words that are written wherever because they are written?

What if they say the same thing, agree with how you feel? Do you say that all writings, whether book, blog, article, post on a forum plays no part in your life or actions?

[MisterP]

43. heck, I remember Michael Novak literally lecturing John Paul II to his face that he wasn't being

pro-capitalist enough

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Novak

that pope's reaction was ... well, guess

[Cryptoad]

47. Republicans blame poor for poverty

They do not believe that I Economic Liberty where all the players have a right to a level playing field!

[riverbendviewgal]

48. I love Pope Francis

I was raised a catholic but excommunicated myself after high school... I believe in birth control. and abortion is a woman's choice. those were main reasons..

This pope is amazing. My NJ brother says I am a commie because I care about immigrants, the poor and Obamacare. I am in good company.

May Francis live for another 30 years or more. The world needs him..

[PatrickforO]

51. This Pope reminds us just how far from

the real gospel message today's 'Christians' have gone. If we lived according to what is written in Matthew, chapters 5-7, there would be no military industrial complex, no wars, and policies would exist worldwide that promote social, economic and environmental justice.

Funny how that works.

[undeterred]

59. + a brazilion

[rpannier]

75. Nope

Argentinian

[uppityperson]

55. Breaking news : Pope claims water is wet!

Good for him, this can open the way for some Catholics to say the same.

[Kingofalldems]

57. But what will the Ayn Rand worshiping Paul Ryan say?

[chrisa]

79. Probably this:

Warning: WND idiocy...

http://www.wnd.com/2013/12/jesus-christ-is-a-capitalist/

Jesus can be anything we want him to be. Just grab some obscure Bible quotes, take them out of context, and you're good to go!

[SunSeeker]

58. If Jesus were alive today...

Fox News would be airing James O'Keefe "Acorn Pimp" style sting videos about him.

[AngryDem001]

77. Nah, they would shoot him for not being white.

Jesus was not a white, blue-eyed member of the Caucasian race.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/12/insisting-jesus-was-white-is-bad-history-and-bad-theology/282310/

[SunSeeker]

80. Of course, why do you think they went after Acorn? nt

[Diclotican]

61. riversedge

riversedge

Caring for the poor - and others who are not well to do - is just decent humanity - regardness of your faith - or the lack of it - it is just what good humans should do....

Diclotican

[Judi Lynn]

62. Amazing to finally hear these words coming from the Vatican. So urgently needed now. n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

65. If you actually read the Gospels, you find that Jesus is CONSISTENTLY against greed and oppression

It's a theme that comes up again and again: Your money won't save you, especially if you neglect the poor.

[appalachiablue]

66. Wonderful to hear this from a 99%er Pope!

[Iggo]

67. American conservatives are big fucking babies.

[TNNurse]

68. Conservative Christians

Need to actually read and study the New Testament. Perhaps they are not aware that all that "Christian" stuff is in there. They prefer Old Testament harshness to all that love, caring and help from that Christ guy.

[Historic NY]

70. BOOM!!!!!

them bible readers better get their bibles out.

[JDPriestly]

72. Absolutely. He is the first Pope in my lifetime that prreaches the Gospel of Jesus.

Most Catholics I know do not read the Bible, much less the New Testament. They just repeat what they learn in Catholic school and Catechism. This Pope actually reads the New Testament. It's understandable that many Catholics are shocked by what he is saying.

I am not Catholic, but I am so happy to hear this Pope preaching Jesus' teachings. It's great. Jesus would not be a capitalist if he were alive today. He would be a social worker or a teacher or -- a Rabbi.

[raouldukelives]

88. Crazy ain't it?

They stray so far from the message of Christianity that they are anti it when they hear it.
Come to think of it, that book warns me about anti-Christians as well.

[Skittles]

74. if the church was REALLY concerned about the poor they'd advocate BIRTH CONTROL

HYPOCRITES is what they are

[burrowowl]

78. Go Pope Francis!

[Omnith]

81. It is true the gospel and communism have nothing in common

One tells us to care for the poor and the other is compulsory economic system.

[WinkyDink]

82. "Good Works" aren't universally part of Christianity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sola_fide

[Live and Learn]

84. Imagine that, a Pope that actually adheres

to the principals of Jesus' teachings. And they are great teachings, regardless of what you believe.

[merrily]

85. Hmm. The Pope could have gone a lot further, IMO.

1 Timothy 6 ( KJV)

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Matthew 19 (KJV)

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

[alterfurz]

86. "When you give food to the poor, they call you a saint...

...when you ask why the poor have no food, they call you a communist." -- Archbishop Hélder Câmara, Brazilian liberation theologist

[jtuck004]

87. Scott Pelley: "The pope keeps telling everyone who will listen that he is a sinner.

...
Chief among sinners. Why does he say that?"

Abraham Skorka: "Because he's showing a way. One of the great sins of the leaders throughout the world is that they used to appear before their people as perfect persons and perfect leaders. He's teaching what a real leader must be."
...

Here.

Grade school teachers have a far more eager class than you do, Francis. But I like your spirit.

[raouldukelives]

89. K&R nt