Hope in a Time of Poverty: Introduction
Reflectionson Poverty Prepared by the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development
I wish to extend an invitation to solidarity to everyone . . . this
means caring for the dignity of the person, but above all I would say do not lose
hope.[i]
~ Pope
Francis
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus steps onto the lake shore from a boat and sees a vast crowd. "His heart was moved with pity for them" (Mt14:14). The Lord calls us to see a growing number of poor and vulnerable persons. He asks that our hearts be moved with compassion for the more than 46 million persons and almost 10 million families now living in poverty in our country.
Christ's tenderness and merciful gaze go out to them. As servants of Christ, we take the side of those suffering poverty. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has given us a poignant example of compassion. With him, we show our "loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about."[ii]
As disciples, our challenge is to pattern society on God's love, oppose injustice, and suffuse our common life with charity in truth. While many speak of a recovery, today the economy still denies many a just and living wage. Women and men still struggle to build a marriage and a home where families can grow.
Now is a moment for discernment for all concerned about the common
good. It is time to come together to shape a new vision for the future.
We must not be naïve about the complexity of the forces and events reshaping our economy, nor blind to our own responsibility. As Pope Francis says, "In this globalized world, we have fallen into globalized indifference. We have become used to the suffering of others: it doesn't affect me; it doesn't concern me; it's none of my business."[iii] This crisis requires us to look at our world with fresh eyes, with a renewed respect for the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of life.
Our hope is grounded in the Providence of God, the presence of the Risen Christ in the Church, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit prompts us to radical solidarity with those who suffer, and to charity, "an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace."[iv]
Faith purifies our struggle for a just society. Hope roots our pursuit of justice in the joyful expectation of "a new heaven and a new earth" (Rev. 21:1). And love makes us capable of building the bonds of solidarity that can foster the common good.
The persuasive strength of Catholic social teaching, "the truth of Christ's love in society,"[v] gives us hope that the Catholic community, together with others, can make a difference in overcoming poverty. It is the Church's duty to shed light on the social questions of our time. The Church "cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice."[vi]
In the next few months, we will offer some reflections on different aspects of the present economic crisis. They will not be exhaustive. They are meant to be a sign of our union with those who are suffering, a strong message of hope and a challenge to us all to look for solutions.
"The life and words of Jesus and the teaching of his Church call us to serve those in need and to work actively for social and economic justice."
~ Economic Justice for All: Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy
We are called to stand with the poor in this difficult moment. Together, we must work to build a just society. The call to do good, make justice your aim, redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea and defend the widow[vii]is addressed to all. We need everyone's wisdom, reflection and action to match the magnitude of today's poverty. We also need leadership worthy of the challenge of the present crisis, "a new generation of committed lay Christians"[viii] to search for new solutions.
As Benedict XVI said, "Be prepared to put your life on the line in order to enlighten the world with the truth of Christ; to respond with love to hatred and disregard for life; to proclaim the hope of the risen Christ in every corner of the earth."[ix] In joyful confidence, may this invitation be taken up by all.
[i] Francis, General Audience, St. Peter's Square, 01 May 2013
[ii] Francis, Homily at Mass for the Inauguration of the Pontificate, 19 March 2013
[iii] Francis, Homily during Visit to Lampedusa, 08 July 2013
[iv] Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter, Caritas in Veritate, 1
[v] Ibid.,
5
[vi] Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter Deus Caritas Est, 28
[vii] Cf. Isaiah1:17
[viii] Benedict XVI, Homily at Mass, Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria, Sardinia, 07 September 2008
[ix] Benedict XVI, Message to the Young People of the World on the Occasion of the XXIII World Youth Day, 2008
Questions for Spiritual Reflection in the Parish or in Small Groups
- We are a people of hope! In the midst of difficult economic times, where do you find hope?
- How does our Baptism and celebration of the Eucharist lead to more intense engagement in the world?
- What aspects of the Catholic perspective on economic life inspire you? Which challenge you?