The poor will always be with you Jesus said but that doesnt mean Christians have ever figured out how to be with the poor. Pope Francis has emphasized a vision of a Church that is poor and for the poor. But growing economic inequality continues to spread across the globe. This book takes a fresh look at the role of churches and individual Christians in relating to poverty and the poor among them. A strong focus is placed on the biblical and theological roots of the Churchs commitment to care for the poor. At times praised as a virtue and blessed as a condition poverty easily confuses us and we are often left doing little to nothing to make a difference with and for the poor. As a social evil and a burden poverty has elicited many kinds of reactions among the followers of Christ. It is time for Christians to figure out what to do about it. Contributors include Pope Francis Pheme Perkins Sandra M. Schneider and Thomas Massaro SJ. show more