Zechariah declared to the exiles, "Truly, one who touches you touches the apple of my eye" (v8). This evidently indicates that God's oppressed people never escape from His attentive sight and care. It is linked to the expression "Do not judge a book by its cover." At the heart of every oppressed people, God does care so we are not to judge anyone by their downcast looks, scarred appearance or mental capacity. They are victims of harassment and abuses. St Vincent advocates that we need to consider - people being objects of prejudice - in the light of faith we ought to see them taking the place of the Son of God. So, while others were astounded by miracles, Jesus openly declared to His disciples "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you, the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands" (v44). People easily forgot the wonders and deeds done to them by the Lord. They easily handed over things to Baal. Beware, forgetfulness is the contagious illness that anyone contracts willingly.

This forgetful mindset must be rectified when dealing with the less fortunate. The negative perception of the less fortunate disheartens many to help them. Yet they are not to be treated as objects of abuse to be handed over for more abuses.

St Vincent teaches us that our services to the needy are offertory prayers to God. This is love in action. For the results of the fruits of prayer - charity.