A Note From Rob ...
When I was in Seminary I was introduced to something that I knew existed but did not know what to call it.
The phrase is “Proof Texting.” This was well before text messaging and its more commonly used name, “texting.”
What is proof texting? In short, it is taking a passage of scripture and misusing it to prove a point.
One might misquote a passage, use only part of a passage, take the scripture out of context, etc. This
Sunday’s Gospel lesson has one of the most often used proof texts. It is when Jesus tells Judas, “The poor you will
always have with you.”
Many point to it as a sort-of Divine justification for poverty. While poverty seems to be endemic, I would
question poverty as part of God’s master plan for His creation. It is a misuse or misunderstanding of scripture to use
these words of Jesus to justify poverty.
Jesus was responding to Judas suggestion that Mary’s show of love for Jesus was wasted. His response was to
point to his death and how short a period of time he had left with them. It is about his not being present with them any
longer, not an explanation for the inequity in society.
Jesus’ ministry was with the least, the last and the lost in society; the poor. It seems inconsistent with his life
and ministry for Jesus to pronounce Divine judgment on the poor.
Rather, this passage speaks more to the sinful nature of humanity as contrasted with the extravagant love of
Mary. We might well be reminded of the betrayal of Judas when hiding behind a blasé acceptance of poverty.
I hope to see you on Sunday.
To read past Notes from Rob, click HERE
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