The “blessed” ones

If the poor, the sick and the rejected are called "blessed," then they are not the objects of Christian charity, generosity, and love. They are rather first of all fellow members of the Kingdom (Matt 5:3) and "brothers" of the Son of man, who will judge the world (Matt 25:31). They must be respected for their dignity, honor, and worth; therefore they are subjects in the kingdom of God, not objects of our sympathy. Every act of help is preceded by out fellowship in common, and every act of caring has its origins in Christian fellowship. Before you can be for others you must live with others.

-Jurgen Moltmann (Hope for the Church, 1979)

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