Bono in Washington

It's not a coincidence that in the Scriptures, poverty is mentioned more than 2,100 times. It's not an accident. That's a lot of air time, 2,100 mentions. [You know, the only time Christ is judgmental is on the subject of the poor.] 'As you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.' (Matthew 25:40). As I say, good news to the poor.

This is not a Republican idea. It is not a Democratic idea. It is not even, with all due respect, an American idea. Nor it is unique to any one faith.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.' (Luke 6:30) Jesus says that.

'Righteousness is this: that one should… give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars and for the emancipation of the captives.' The Koran says that. (2.177)

Thus sayeth the Lord: 'Bring the homeless poor into the house, when you see the naked, cover him, then your light will break out like the dawn and your recovery will speedily spring fourth, then your Lord will be your rear guard.' The jewish scripture says that. Isaiah 58 again.

That is a powerful incentive: 'The Lord will watch your back.' Sounds like a good deal to me, right now.

A number of years ago, I met a wise man* who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord's blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…

And this wise man said: stop.

He said, stop asking God to bless what you're doing.

Get involved in what God is doing—because it's already blessed.

Well, God, as I said, is with the poor. That, I believe, is what God is doing.

And that is what He's calling us to do. [quotes by Bono] * the "wise man" he was referring to is Eugene Peterson, author of the Message Bible, former professor of spiritually at Regent College =)

The above quotes was taken from Bono (lead singer of the greatest rock group in the world U2) during this talk at the US Prayer Breakfast. He was invited by President Bush to come and share at this annual event.

You can read the entire message here. He concluded with a pretty cool challenge for all the nations of the world and all governments (and even us) to give 1% of our income to help fight AIDS and the help the poor around the world.

And in case you haven't heard, Time Magazine named Bono along with Bill Gates and his wfie as their Persons of the Year ... each of them for their efforts to help the poor and needy around the world. A great way to use your money, fame and influence.

And U2 will be performing at this year's Grammy Awards (on Wednesday in the US). They're up for 5 nominations at this year's ceremony: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rock Song, Best Rock Album, Best Performance by a Group ... nice! =)