Beggars in a Car?

[thequeen]

You did the right thing.

 

[mikekle]

I’m guessing that Jesus was using hyperbole - exaggerating to make a point. I recall reading that Jesus did that on more than one occasion - wish I could remember where I read that. Maybe someone else knows more.

Thats what frustrating about trying to understand certain verses, are we just supposed to guess? lol I hate to do that, because its very likely I will be wrong.

Plus, we are thinking of things in human terms when we try to understand these verses, from other verses, God makes it pretty clear the way we think and the way he thinks is much different, so do we take that into consideration too?

The way many bible verses are written, it seems like no matter what your particular belief or position is, you could make it fit the description, or justify about anything, on the other hand, if you didnt like what one verse is saying, you could claim its not meant to be literal, instead its symbolic, or a metaphor, or vice versa.

I think what makes it most difficult to understand is the difference in speech between biblical times and our modern times, they are quite different, and even the slightest error during interpretations could have MAJOR implications one way or the other. We dont have a choice but to accept what the CC tells us either…what if they are completely wrong on some of these things, would God ‘intervene’ if he saw so many people were not getting his intended message?

 

[jmcrae]

Thats what frustrating about trying to understand certain verses, are we just supposed to guess? lol I hate to do that, because its very likely I will be wrong.

Plus, we are thinking of things in human terms when we try to understand these verses, from other verses, God makes it pretty clear the way we think and the way he thinks is much different, so do we take that into consideration too?

The way many bible verses are written, it seems like no matter what your particular belief or position is, you could make it fit the description, or justify about anything, on the other hand, if you didnt like what one verse is saying, you could claim its not meant to be literal, instead its symbolic, or a metaphor, or vice versa.

I think what makes it most difficult to understand is the difference in speech between biblical times and our modern times, they are quite different, and even the slightest error during interpretations could have MAJOR implications one way or the other. We dont have a choice but to accept what the CC tells us either…what if they are completely wrong on some of these things, would God ‘intervene’ if he saw so many people were not getting his intended message?

We look at how the first readers interpreted it. In this case, they said it applies to people you know; not to strangers. Yes, we need to welcome the stranger, but you get to know him and find out what his intentions are before you start handing out cash.

 

[Disciple_Leader]

Just a short blurb…My sister was a parish secretary. People coming to the rectory asking for money occurred daily. On this particular day, a man driving a 36’ RV pulls up and says he needed gas money. The churches in town had arranged to send people in need to social services where they could receive proper assistance with funds provided by the local churches. Anyway, Mr. RV did’nt like that option and after a lengthy line of #€%#£#… Stormed out …Oh well…

 

[EveningSkye111]

The priest should be introduced to vouchers. The mission parish my husband works at never gives cash. Most people say they need money for gas or food, so they get a voucher for the one gas station in town or the one grocery store. They are allowed only one voucher a month - records are kept.

Big city parishes would have a lot more paperwork, but I think it’s worth it. Funny story my husband likes to tell from when he worked at a big city parish: A man came to the door asking for money for school supplies for his kids. Husband said we have lots of school supplies (someone had just donated them). The man said, no, I need money for food. Husband said the food bank is next door & is open right now. No, said the man, I need money for rent. Well, replied husband, we can give you a rent voucher.

At that, the man got very angry and yelled, “You guys never help me!” and stomped off.

Bonnie,

I loved your last line. Reminded me of a time we were downtown feeding the hungry and homeless. We do this ministry in an open field in Detroit.

Anyway, after giving out pizza, sandwiches, fresh vegetables, fruit and the hot food hubby and I prepared (chicken pot pie, biscuits with honey and butter, peach cobbler, hot chocolate) this guy comes back (with his arms loaded with good food) and starts asking every one of us (there were about 12 of us) for money. We get asked a lot, but don’t give, it would start something and could get out of control.

So the guy starts cussing, using language like I’ve never heard before, and believe me, I’ve heard it all! (USAF for 12 years) So now this guy knows just what to do! He takes down the licence number on the church van and trailer so he can report us for not “forking out” cash as we are supposed to. We were done serving food and all got in the van to leave and he goes and stands in front of the van, blocking our way!

Driver laid on the horn and the guy finally moved, but sure let us know what he thought of us, how we were just rich, uppity, suburban folks who don’t care about the poor.

Our church has never missed a single weekend, no matter the weather, holidays or anything. We’ve never seen this guy again. I wonder if he ever did report us?

 

[mikekle]

Bonnie,

I loved your last line. Reminded me of a time we were downtown feeding the hungry and homeless. We do this ministry in an open field in Detroit.

Anyway, after giving out pizza, sandwiches, fresh vegetables, fruit and the hot food hubby and I prepared (chicken pot pie, biscuits with honey and butter, peach cobbler, hot chocolate) this guy comes back (with his arms loaded with good food) and starts asking every one of us (there were about 12 of us) for money. We get asked a lot, but don’t give, it would start something and could get out of control.

So the guy starts cussing, using language like I’ve never heard before, and believe me, I’ve heard it all! (USAF for 12 years) So now this guy knows just what to do! He takes down the licence number on the church van and trailer so he can report us for not “forking out” cash as we are supposed to. We were done serving food and all got in the van to leave and he goes and stands in front of the van, blocking our way!

Driver laid on the horn and the guy finally moved, but sure let us know what he thought of us, how we were just rich, uppity, suburban folks who don’t care about the poor.

Our church has never missed a single weekend, no matter the weather, holidays or anything. We’ve never seen this guy again. I wonder if he ever did report us?

Id like to hear how that guy complained to the city…" they fed us, and provided for our every need, but they would not give us cash, so Id like them somehow reprimanded for this"? LOL

 

[EveningSkye111]

Id like to hear how that guy complained to the city…" they fed us, and provided for our every need, but they would not give us cash, so Id like them somehow reprimanded for this"? LOL

Just checked back here. I don’t know if he ever complained! It was rather amusing. I’m getting stuff ready to take downtown right now, so who knows? Maybe he’ll show up on Saturday!

I still cannot figure some of these people, but for all the people who we make happy, well, that’s what really counts.

 

[mikekle]

Just checked back here. I don’t know if he ever complained! It was rather amusing. I’m getting stuff ready to take downtown right now, so who knows? Maybe he’ll show up on Saturday!

I still cannot figure some of these people, but for all the people who we make happy, well, that’s what really counts.

Indeed, Im sure the guy was just mad because he was hoping for money, and wanted to scare you all with some kind of retaliation.

Great work btw.

 

[John_Lazarus]

I remember once, I think it was in Montreal, a guy in an expensive suit came into the burger joint I was eating in, and started panhandling. :ehh: A couple of young, provocatively dressed women were with him.

The guy’s suit looked like it cost more than I grossed in a week.

The shift manager saw them, and chased them out of the restaurant. I think he suggested that the man was a pimp.

I don’t think I was in any way required to shell out my money to him just because he was begging.