by Fr. John Martin Shimkus, O.S.B.

     In his Rule for monasteries, St. Benedict, instructs us that "great care and concern are to be shown in receiving poor people and pilgrims, because in them more particularly Christ is received; our very awe of the rich guarantees them special respect." (RB 53:15)

     This insight into the distinctions human beings make between poor and rich finds its genesis in scriptural passages like as this one from Isaiah, which speaks of the coming Messiah: "Not by appearance shall he judge . . . but he shall judge the poor with justice . . ." (cf. Is 11:3-4)

     What does it mean to treat the poor justly?  It means to be aware that every person bears the image of God - and even more awesome - the image of the Son of God, who made his dwelling in this flesh that all human beings wear.  It means to honor this reality in every person we meet, not only those who seem important, but especially those who seem unimportant.

     How would we treat a needy person - the difficult family member or the homeless man in a shelter - if we saw in him the Jesus whom we long for so much?  How much reverence would we have for an afflicted person - the woman begging on the street corner or the forgotten neighbor whom no one visits - if we understood her to be a hidden tabernacle of God himself?

     Advent is a good time to rediscover this very real manifestation of God.

Lord Jesus, come to me in the guise of the poor and needy ones.  And let me welcome you with joy and gratitude.

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