“Jesus Christ… for your sakes became poor” (2 Cor 8:9)

This World Day of the Poor is a healthy challenge, to reflect on our style of life and on the many forms of poverty all around us. It is a reminder to show solidarity with all those in need by putting our faith into action and to remember that none of us are exempt from concern for the poor and social justice.

This year’s theme is a summons to responsibility and commitment as men and women who are part of our one human family. In this year’s Pope Francis message, he calls us to action. Pope Francis sets the context with:

Several months ago, the world was emerging from the tempest of the pandemic, showing signs of an economic recovery that could benefit millions of people reduced to poverty by the loss of their jobs. A patch of blue sky was opening that, without detracting from our sorrow at the loss of our dear ones, promised to bring us back to direct interpersonal relations and to socializing with one another once more without further prohibitions or restrictions. Now, however, a new catastrophe has appeared on the horizon, destined to impose on our world a very different scenario.

Pope Francis is putting emphasis on the global forced displacement:

Millions of women, children and elderly people are being forced to brave the danger of bombs just to find safety by seeking refuge as displaced persons in neighbouring countries. How many others remain in the war zones, living each day with fear and the lack of food, water, medical care and above all human affections? … Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters; what matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated. 

 

Message of his Holiness Pope Francis for the sixth World Day of the Poor

CSAN: Caritas Social Action Network

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul resources