Scripture Flashcards
Hebrew Scripture
Hebrew scriptural traditions emphasise justice and care for the needy
There are many examples of wisdom being related to the poor
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
‘For the Lord your God is a God of gods … who executes justice for the orphan and widow, and who loves strangers, providing them with food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land.’
Proverbs 19
19:1 Better the poor walking in integrity than one perverse in speech who is a fool
19:4 Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are left friendless
19:10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury
19:17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and will be repaid in full
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Priest and Levite neglect beaten man in order to maintain purity for their liturgical duties
GS - Jesus’s response to the question ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’
Jesus’ answer begins by combining Deut. 6:5 & Leviticus 19:18
Provocative idea that you should love neighbour as yourself
Parable of the Great Judgement
Matthew 25:31-46
Illustrates the final judgment where people will be separated into two groups: sheep (heaven) and goats (hell), based on their deeds, particularly their treatment of the vulnerable
Matthew 25:31-46
‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Provocative suggestion that service to the needy may unconsciously be service to God, even without a self-conscious confession of faith
Link between ‘charitable’ actions and (one’s own) salvation
Seven Acts of Corporal Mercy - The Catholic Church
Feed hungry
Drink for the thirsty
Welcome stranger
Clothe naked
Care for sick
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead
