A Call to Serve the Poor and the Needy
Since Christ willed to be born poor, he chose for himself disciples who were poor. He made himself the servant of the poor and shared their poverty. He went so far as to say that he would consider every deed which either helps or harms the poor as done for or against himself. Since God surely loves the poor, he also loves those who love the poor. For when one person holds another dear, he also includes in his affection anyone he loves or serves the one he loves. That is why we hope that God will love us for the sake of the poor. So when we visit the poor and needy, we try to understand the poor and weak. We sympathize with them so fully that we can echo Paul’s words: ” I have become all things to all men”
Although in his passion he almost lost the appearance of a man and was considered a fool by the Gentiles and a stumbling block by the Jews, he showed them that his mission was to preach to the poor: “ He sent me to preach the good news to the poor.” We also ought to have this same spirit and imitate Christ’s actions, that is, we must take care of the poor, console them, help them, support their cause.
We must try to be stirred by our neighbors’ worries and distress. We must beg God to pour into our hearts sentiments of pity and compassion and to fill them again and again with these dispositions.
Word of God
Prov 14:31 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy….Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker , but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Psalm 9:17-18 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “ I will protect them from those who malign them”.
Values / Attitude (towards the poor and the needy)
Kindness Empathy Generosity Charity
Doctrine
Fraternal Charity : A Work of Justice Pleasing to God ( CCC 2462 ). How can we not recognize Lazarus, the hungry beggar in the parable ( cf. Lk 17:19-31 ), in the multitude of human beings without bread, a roof or a place to stay? How can we fail to hear Jesus : “As you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me” ( Mt 25:45 )?
Moral
Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. T he corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity.
Worship
Prayer of intercession has particular value, for it is an act of trust in God and, at the same time, an expression of love for our neighbor. I n reality, our prayer will be all the more pleasing to God and more effected for our growth in holiness if, through intercession, we attempt to practice the twofold commandment that Jesus left us. Intercessory prayer is an expression of our fraternal concern for others, since we are able to embrace their lives, their deepest troubles and their loftiest dreams. Of those who commit themselves generously to intercessory prayer we can apply the words of Scripture : “ This is a man who loves the brethren and prays much for the people” ( 2 Mac 15:14 )
Faith Response
Affirmation/ Conviction : Empathy with the poor in the community
Commitment: Involvement in the feeding program of our parish
Celebration / Prayer:
Prayer of the Faithful ( General Intercessions, Monday first week of Lent) with the response : Lord, let us love and serve you in others.
1. That the Church may become a home for the lost, the stray, the weak and the wounded. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. That rich nations may seriously undertake steps to help in the development of poorer nations. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. That through our practical generosity, the neglected and rejected of our society may be drawn to the Kingdom of God. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. That we may spread the reign of the Kingdom in our homes, workplaces and in the community we belong. Let us pray to the Lord. 5. That
the dead may enter the Kingdom prepared for them. Let us pray to the Lord.
Father, knowing your boundless love for all people, we confidently bring our intentions before you in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
