Jim Kemna
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
In Matthew's Gospel (26:11), Jesus says, "The poor you will always have with you" What did he mean by that? Was he saying poverty can never be overcome so don't even try? Maybe his statement is a commentary on something he saw in the world around him.
At that time, there was an attitude toward the poor, diseased and disabled that was very poisonous. It went like this, if you are diseased, poor or disabled, it is because you are a sinner or your ancestors were sinners. The poor were not only poor, but they were oppressed by this negative attitude promoted by the religious elites. There was no way of escaping it. It was systemic oppression of the poor, and Jesus saw it.
What would Jesus see today? Poor minorities are not condemned as sinners, but they are oppressed today in a different and just as destructive way. It is becoming clearer how systemic racism has kept minorities in our country trapped in their poverty. Inadequate healthcare, poor education, lack of opportunity, unsuitable housing, bad nutrition and the disappearance of the safety net have mired many in seemingly inescapable poverty. Because of this reality, the poor are much more vulnerable when disaster or disease strikes.
Despite warnings from scientists, the COVID-19 virus has run rampant in our country. The poor and minorities have been especially vulnerable. People who are living on the economic margins of society in the U.S. experience higher death rates as a result of the virus. And yet in Missouri, the Legislature and governor's office have been resistant to expanding Medicaid, a vital resource for those in poverty. What would Jesus say?
The issue of climate change poses an even greater danger for the poor. They often live and work in places that are and will be most affected by the drought, storms and floods that will become more and more a reality for us as the years go by. There is still time to do something about climate change. Let's hope we have learned from the "head in the sand" approach to the virus that has caused so many deaths. Let's wake up and listen to the scientists this time. Having the poor with us could be an opportunity for us to make a difference not a reason for us to be ashamed. What would Jesus do?