Dear Editor,

It is very interesting to notice that the prophetic voice of the church was expressed in the Gospel of Luke with regard to the utterances of Mary the mother of Jesus and John the Baptist. The revolutionary thought-provoking ideas of Mary can be traced to Hannah in 1st Samuel.

If we examine the new tax measures we will notice that they are contrary to what is echoed by Mary in the “Magnificat” Luke.1:52-53: “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and the rich sent away empty.” The package does not reflect the humanity of the Christmas message because “it has not scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts”. The wealthy have been glorified, which is contrary to what is said in Hannah’s prayer

(1 Samuel 2:7 – 8). “The Lord makes poor and makes rich. He brings low, he also exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honour.” The present weight of the budget favours the rich and will never advance the dignity of the poor.

John the Baptist warned the tax collectors, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” He said to the military, “Do not extort money from any one by threats or false accusations and be satisfied with your wages.” Luke.3: 4-17. Now is the moment when the church must become very prophetic in foretelling that Jesus came to liberate and not to domesticate. Luke.4: Jesus was sent to proclaim release to the captives, to bring good news to the poor, not bad news, and to free the oppressed.

The present tax package has neither recognised the transformation nor the plight of the poor.

Revd Canon Ernle Gordon

St Mary’s Rectory

Kingston 20

gordfm@yahoo.com