When the Poor Ones, ELW 725
1 When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving; when the thirsty pass the cup, water to share; when the wounded offer others strength and healing:
Refrain
We see God, here by our side, walking our way; we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
2 When compassion gives the suff'ring consolation; when expecting brings to birth hope that was lost;
when we choose love, not the hatred all around us:
Refrain
3 When our spirits, like a chalice, brim with gladness; when our voices, full and clear, sing out the truth; when our longings, free from envy, seek the humble:
Refrain
4 When the goodness poured from heaven fills our dwellings; when the nations work to change war into peace; when the stranger is accepted as our neighbor:
Refrain
Devotion
Jesus is both on the mountain top and in the reality of our world. This is the basis for this hymn which speaks about peace, faith, love, and God’s presence.
The words grip our imagination, and we begin to see the poor ones who have nothing, but who continue to give. We see the thirsty one who still passes the cup on to another. We see how to share compassion and love, not war and hatred.
Jesus has always identified with the poor ones, the widows, the children, the sinners. Jesus chose to minister to the stranger, the faithless, to those in need.
If we do the same, then we see the poor ones, and in them, we see God.
Prayer
Lord, let us do the same, and see you in the poor ones. Amen.