Rich Neighbor

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table.” (Luke 16:20-21 ESV)

Mexico is in the middle of a serious fuel shortage. Many gas stations are closed, and those that are still open have long lines. People can’t get to work or go shopping for food supplies. Desperate drivers are resorting to buying gas on the black market, compounding an already bad situation. Recently, a gas pipeline exploded north of Mexico City, killing and injuring many. In the middle of reading about this tragic news, I came across this headline:

“No guac for the Super Bowl? Fuel shortages in Mexico threaten avocado shipments to US.” (USA Today, January 19th, 2019)

Much like the rich man in Luke chapter 16, we in the U.S. feast sumptuously every day, while our poor, neighboring countries long to be fed from the crumbs that fall from our table. Concern about guacamole at a football game trumps the plight of fellow human beings. Our lack of empathy is shocking. As an American citizen, I can go to Mexico whenever I want and stay as long as I want. However, Mexican nationals do not have similar privileges. Families trying to escape destitution and violence are torn apart and kept in detention centers. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens go to Mexico to relax and enjoy themselves. We call ourselves a Christian nation, but ignore Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors. We close our ears to the cry of the poor, but expect God to answer when we call out for mercy.

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Proverbs 14:31 NIV)