The Hellenists and the Hebrews who followed Jesus had more in common with each other than with the Roman conquerors or the fundamentalist Jews—so why were they at odds with one another? The widows of the Hellenists “were being neglected in the daily distribution.” Oh, right—limited resources, great need, charges of favoritism—human nature, right?

But when Jesus had said, “The poor will always be with you,” he was quoting Deuteronomy, which commanded, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.” No “religious” test, no favoritism, no “worthy” or “unworthy,” just sharing whatever they had with whoever needed it. Simple. Not easy, but simple.

Even during the Easter season, as we sing our Alleluias and rejoice in the Risen Lord, we are still commanded to serve the poor in practical ways—food, shelter, clothing—not just in words. Our songs, too, must emphasize the preferential option for the poor. Schutte’s “As I Have Done for You”; Tom Kendzia’s “The Eyes and Hands of Christ”; Bernadette Farrell’s “Bread for the World”—it’s not as if there aren’t many songs, old and new, on this theme. Look carefully through your repertoire list and see what songs your community already knows, songs that remind us of our most basic Christian obligations to love and serve one another. (And ask yourself: would your choices for Holy Thursday work for today? If not, why not?)

And for Preparation of Gifts, check out my own “Where My Father Lives,” whose text quotes liberally from today’s Gospel.