Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Are modern panhandlers the same as the begging poor of Jesus' time?
Sponsor: realestateforlife.org
Join: brianholdsworth.locals.com
Christians today face a real dilemma at every street corner: how do we obey Christ’s command to love the poor without enabling vice or being naïve about modern homelessness? In this video, I reflect on how panhandling in our cities differs from the “begging poor” of biblical times, explain why Christian concern for the poor is unique, and draw on St. Thomas Aquinas and Scripture to show how prudence and mercy work together. If you’ve ever wondered whether to hand cash to a panhandler or how to direct your almsgiving, this episode offers a thoughtful, Catholic perspective.
0:00 – Introduction: Jesus identifies with the poor
1:29 – Homelessness today
3:16 – A uniquely Christian concern
7:14 – The poor in Jesus' time
8:27 – Panhandling vs. institutional safety nets today
10:19 – Substance abuse and vice
12:07 – St. Thomas Aquinas answers
12:43 – Justice vs. mercy
14:04 – Scriptural support for prudence in giving
14:00 – Order of Love
Music written and generously provided by Paul Jernberg. Find out more about his work as a composer here: pauljernberg.com
Podcast Version: brianholdsworth.libsyn.com
Are modern panhandlers the same as the begging poor of Jesus' time?
Sponsor: realestateforlife.org
Join: brianholdsworth.locals.com
Christians today face a real dilemma at every street corner: how do we obey Christ’s command to love the poor without enabling vice or being naïve about modern homelessness? In this video, I reflect on how panhandling in our cities differs from the “begging poor” of biblical times, explain why Christian concern for the poor is unique, and draw on St. Thomas Aquinas and Scripture to show how prudence and mercy work together. If you’ve ever wondered whether to hand cash to a panhandler or how to direct your almsgiving, this episode offers a thoughtful, Catholic perspective.
0:00 – Introduction: Jesus identifies with the poor
1:29 – Homelessness today
3:16 – A uniquely Christian concern
7:14 – The poor in Jesus' time
8:27 – Panhandling vs. institutional safety nets today
10:19 – Substance abuse and vice
12:07 – St. Thomas Aquinas answers
12:43 – Justice vs. mercy
14:04 – Scriptural support for prudence in giving
14:00 – Order of Love
Music written and generously provided by Paul Jernberg. Find out more about his work as a composer here: pauljernberg.com
Podcast Version: brianholdsworth.libsyn.com
