For the Poor

I have been listening intently to the raging debates over healthcare, and "the public option" in particular. I have only heard rare moments where anything truly meaningful was spoken. One such moment was on Ed Shultz's afternoon radio show. He asked a bold question (it never was answered well). How can the religious right be opposed to national healthcare?

Nothing gets me fired up like smashing politics and religion together, and I have to answer Ed by saying that I honestly feel like there isn't a way to be a sincere about following and trusting Jesus and at the same time denying the realities of healthcare in America. The poorest of America's people are the ones that need this reform the most. Christianity is a mission to the poor first and foremost. Jesus speaks to the poor more than any other group. Whatever a Christian does to the least she does to Christ. True religion by Jesus' standards is giving to the widows and orphans.

Now we have a chance as Christians in America to stand for something truly righteous: the means for even the poorest of people to have their medical needs met. Single mothers of four chilren working three jobs to keep things afloat will not have to fear for the healthcare needs of their children. Service industry workers, the people that do the dirty jobs so that we have every ammenity of American living, won't have to choose between financial ruin or serious chronic illness (or even death sometimes!).

What can be Christian about ignoring these things? How can we act like helping the poorest of our nation isn't near and dear to the heart and mind of God? And don't tell me that "The Church" ought to take care of it. We are The Church and we have to do something about it.

I'm going to march for healthcare on September 13th for the poor, as a follower of Jesus. How can I do any less?