The Poor are Reminded of the Future State.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 43, 31 July 1891, Page 5

The Poor are Reminded of the Future State.

As for those who do not possess the gifts of fortune, they are taught by the Church that, in God's sight, poverty is no disgrace, and that there is nothing to be ashamed of in seeking ones bread by labour. This is strengthened in what we see in Christ Himself, Who whereas He was rich, for our sakes became poorjf and Who, being the Son of God, and God Himself, cnose to seem and to be considered the son of a carpenter— nay, did not disdain to spend a great part of His life as a carpenter Himself. Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary ? % From the contemplation of this Divine example it is easy to understand that the true dignity and excellence of man lies in his moral qualities, that is, in virtue ; that virtue is the common inheritance of all, equally within the reach of high or low, rich and poor ; and that virtue, and virtue alone, wherever found, will be followed by the rewards of everlasting happiness. Nay, God Himself seems to incline more to those who suffer evil ; for Jesus Christ calls the poor blessed ; § He lovingly invites those in labour and grief to come to Him for solace ; and He displays the tenderest charity to the lowly and oppressed. These reflections cannot fail to keep down the pride of those who are well off, and to cheer the spirit of the afflicted ; to incline the former to generosity and the latter to tranquil resignation. Thus the separation which pride would make tends to disappear, nor will it be difficult to make rich and poor join hands in friendly concord.