People in Church ministry are often criticised for not practising St Paul's injunction to Timothy to 'be an example to all the believers in the way you speak and behave.' The criticism often refers to a failure to practise Christian charity and evangelical poverty. However, there is no virtue in keeping a badly maintained church or failing to equip and present the church services in an up-to-date effective manner.

Probably, what corresponds most to evangelical poverty in today's ministers is their availability and approachability at all times. How many of us would welcome and defend, as Jesus did, a poor woman with a bad name, should she approach us during a quiet night out with our friends?

In the City of the Poor, in Lourdes, there is a painting of a clock that has no hands. It has a legend that says in French: Love knows no hours.