"G-d, the People of G-d, and the Poor" (Part 2)

(Part 2)

If one were to look for a single word to catch the spirit of Judaism it would be mitzvah. A mitzvah is a "divine command" which are deeds that are pleasing in the sight of G-d. Mitzvah means "any good deed, an act of kindness, of compassion, or of justice, for the benefit of another human being."

The spirit of mitzvah is to always perform these acts not to gain anything but, rather, one does them for their own sake. We know this word mitzvah and associate it with the rite of passage, the coming of age and with this passage adult responsibilities are now expected of the recipient of this experience. "Putting away childish things" would certainly be appropriate as the self-centeredness of a child should make way for the maturity of an adult. This has ramifications on our commission toward the poor as we break from our self-interest and impart blessing to another. These acts of mitzvah also are to be done without fanfare but done in secret to avoid vainglory. You know, the "look what I have done" or making sure that my name gets in the newspaper.

If we could balance these injunctions without them being self-serving and truly fill the gap to alleviate human suffering, then we would truly know that the Reign of G-d has come to us. Today, it is especially disheartening to see and hear of religious programs to expand a corner of someone's kingdom. Building programs and "the Purpose Driven Church" take center stage while all around us the poor continue to barely make it. The focus is a seminar only to hear how to do it but never doing anything about it. Fortunately, there are fellowships who have caught hold of a vision and begun to provide assistance to the whole person.

Prison ministries, drug addiction programs, even sexual offender programs have begun to speak of hope, deliverance, and comfort to so many. It is my prayer that we all catch a vision and make a true and lasting difference in a darkened world.