Fight Poverty - Meet People

I am always struck by Jesus' question to the blind men calling for attention in Matthew 20. "What do you want me to do for you?". On one level a stupid question, considering his ability to give sight to the blind. Yet maybe it is us who are not so intelligent ...

The point is that Jesus met with people. He related to them to hear their side, rather than simply assuming and dispensing one directional aid.

A paragraph in the middle of this post, relating to a talk about poverty, sums it up well. Suggesting that the 'core problem of humanity is isolation rather than mortality', the call is made to invest in relationship. My own experience, both locally through the Foodbank, and by visiting people in very difficult circumstances in Zambia, confirms this. To be met - to be acknowledged as a person - in itself lifts the spirit. Of course there is the need for the practical help to flow as well (Jesus did restore their sight), but in the context of a newly formed relationship.

We all want to fight poverty. Make a start by meeting people!