by Ed Pettibone » Fri Jul 03, 2015 12:02 pm
KeithE quotes Mark 14: 3-9 and says "So Jesus was not being defeatist when he said “The poor you will always have with you” as many seem to imply in an effort to curb aid programs. If and when one is in the presence of Jesus, s(he) can be as extravagant as they want to be. Until then we are to HELP THE POOR"
Ed: I did not say or suggest that Jesus was being defeatist, he was being a realist. Nor am I one who uses this passage in an effort to curb aid programs, I have worked in such programs a huge part of my life. See my quick list of employment experience in my recent post to Tim. In the past, I have said that in my observation of job training programs they are designed more to buy votes than to resolve the problems of the unemployed.
Also, this passage speaks only to our "extravagance" In the presence of Christ, only by an example of serving him.
BTW in the RSV Jesus says in verse 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me.