Who is the poor?

We recieved a presentation from two young priests today, both of the Diocese of Granada. One spoke of his parish where he is working, which a poor parish in town. He mentioned how his parish gives the poor food, but most importantly they work with the people, listening to them and helping them find work and a means to provide. The priest takes on their poverty, making it his own.

This is what solidarity and love is all about. You do not partake on a mission to simply be with or give. Rather, you do so to become one of them. Their worries become your worries, etc.

But then again, I must ask, just who is the poor? After all, I believe it was St Peter who said that the poor will always be with us.