VATICAN CORNER
Pope Francis issued a statement June 13, 2017 inviting Christians and people of other faiths around the world to celebrate the first World Day of the Poor on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, which falls on November 19th this year. He wrote that “The poor are not a problem, they are a resource from which to draw as we strive to accept and practice in our lives the essence of the Gospel.” He wants us to love and help those in need and those that are marginalized, not only “with words but with deeds.” He wrote that God’s love for us “cannot go unanswered, it so sets our hearts on fire that all who experience it are led to love back, despite their limitations and sin.” He added that this can only happen if we welcome God’s grace so that we might be able to love not only God but also our neighbors. Francis’ wrote of the early Christian community and how it shared and helped the poor. They “realized that being a disciple of Jesus meant demonstrating fraternity and solidarity, in obedience to the Master’s proclamation that the poor are blessed and heirs to the Kingdom of heaven.” But he wrote that there were times when the Church failed to fully heed this appeal, and instead assumed a worldly way of thinking. Yet the Holy Spirit called them to keep their gaze fixed on what is essential, and inspired men and women to devote their lives to helping the poor. One example is the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis insists that acts of generosity and kindness must not be limited to occasional volunteer work, but must also strive to find the true origins of injustice and lead to a true encounter with the poor. Francis invites the faithful to “touch” the body of Christ “in the suffering bodies of the poor,” not hesitating to embrace them and meet their gaze, “their outstretched hand is also an invitation to step out of our certainties and comforts, and to acknowledge the value of poverty in itself.” It is Pope Francis’ wish that the week preceding the World Day of the Poor, Christian communities will make every effort to create moments of encounter and friendship, solidarity and concrete assistance. “They can invite the poor and volunteers to take part together in the Eucharist on that Sunday. If there are poor people where we live who seek protection and assistance, let us draw close to them. Let us welcome them as honored guests at our table.” At the heart of all the many concrete initiatives carried out on this day should always be prayer. “Let us not forget that the “Our Father” is the prayer of the poor. Our asking for bread expresses our entrustment to God for our basic needs in life. Everything that Jesus taught us in this prayer expresses and brings together the cry of all who suffer from life’s uncertainties and the lack of what they need.” Pope Francis will preside at the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica during the November celebration, with poor people and volunteers. After the liturgy, he will invite 500 of the poor to the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican to join him for lunch.
Sources: cruxnow.com, news.va