As there are no primary sources, one cannot be sure about what Jesus did/did
not say. However, the exact attribution (Matthew 26:11) reads:

"For ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always."

I interpet this as a challenge rather than a glib affirmation of the status
quo. That is to say, you should never turn your back on the less fortunate
while taking your own comfortable situation for granted (i.e., think twice
before voting for someone who promises to cut taxes lest you find yourself in
need of social programs).

For the record, Jesus is also alleged to have said: "You cannot serve both God
and money" (Luke 16:13).





Quoting Jean Norris <[log in to unmask]>:

> Re: "The poor will always be with us." -- JC
>
> Yes, the poor WILL always be with us.  The test of our society is:  How
> poor? And, how much WITH the rest of "us", rather than alone with misery?
>
>
>
> on 10/3/02 7:09 AM, Dennis Raphael at [log in to unmask]
> wrote:
>
> >> Is anyone aware of resources for community needs assessment and/or
> >> qualitative
> > data as relates to chronic disease (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer) and
> >
> >> modifiable risk factors (exercise, smoking, diet). Thanks for your help.
> >
> > Are any other factors unmodifiable?
> >
> > "The poor will always be with us" -- Jesus Christ
> >
> > dr
> >
> > Send one line: unsubscribe click4hp to: [log in to unmask] to unsubscribe
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> Send one line: unsubscribe click4hp to: [log in to unmask] to unsubscribe
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