"For your sakes, Christ became poor" (2 Cor 8:9).

Tomorrow is the World Sixth Day of the Poor

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
FOR THE SIXTH WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

The Holy Father encouraged us to reflect on whether the poverty of Jesus Christ is our faithful companion in life in his message for the World Day of the Poor, celebrated on the penultimate Sunday of the liturgical year. This year it is celebrated for the sixth time and falls on 13 November, and its motto is taken from the 2nd Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians: "For your sakes, Christ became poor" (2 Cor 8:9).

The Poverty of Christ Enriches Us

At the outset, the Pope noted that the World Day of the Poor is meant to help us reflect on our way of life and on the many dimensions of poverty that are emerging at this moment in history. He reminded that after the pandemic there was a war in Ukraine, caused by the fact that " a “superpower” aimed at imposing its own will in violation of the principle of the self-determination of peoples. Tragic scenarios are being reenacted and once more reciprocal extortionate demands made by a few potentates are stifling the voice of a humanity that cries out for peace” – Francis said.

The Holy Father pointed to the many misfortunes that wars bring and reminded that since the beginning of Christianity in the Church collections have been organized for the benefit of the neediest. He noted that often after a period of initial enthusiasm, the commitment weakens. For this reason, the Apostle called for a revival of works of mercy " so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means” (2 Cor 8:11).

The Pope recalled the great generosity of the faithful to war refugees in the Middle East, Central Africa and now Ukraine. "Even so, the longer conflicts last, the more burdensome their consequences become. The peoples who offer welcome find it increasingly difficult to maintain their relief efforts; families and communities begin to feel burdened by a situation that continues past the emergency stage. This is the moment for us not to lose heart but to renew our initial motivation. The work we have begun needs to be brought to completion with the same sense of responsibility" Francis wrote.

The Holy Father emphasized that solidarity consists in sharing with those who have nothing. He pointed out that generosity towards the poor finds its profound foundation in the decision of the Son of God, who himself wanted to become poor. He pointed out that rhetoric is not practiced towards the poor, but one rolls up ones sleeves and realizes faith through direct involvement. The Pope warned against indifference to the poor and attachment to money, adding that no one can feel exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice.

Francis pointed out that there is poverty that kills – misery born from injustice, exploitation, violence and the unjust distribution of wealth and resources. In turn, the poverty triggers a responsible choice that allows us to shed the burden and strive for what is essential. " Encountering the poor enables us to put an end to many of our anxieties and empty fears, and to arrive at what truly matters in life, the treasure that no one can steal from us: true and gratuitous love. The poor, before being the object of our almsgiving, are people, who can help set us free from the snares of anxiety and superficiality” - we read in the message of the Holy Father.

The Pope pointed out that the poverty of Christ enriches us. " If we want life to triumph over death, and dignity to be redeemed from injustice, we need to follow Christ’s path of poverty, sharing our lives out of love, breaking the bread of our daily existence with our brothers and sisters, beginning with the least of them, those who lack the very essentials of life. This is the way to create equality, to free the poor from their misery and the rich from their vanity, and both from despair", Francis wrote.

The Holy Father pointed to the particular example of Christian poverty, canonized on May15, Charles de Foucauld, who gave up temporal riches to follow Jesus and became with him poor and brother of all. At the end of his message for the Sixth World Day of the Poor Pope Francis wrote:"May this 2022 World Day of the Poor be for us a moment of grace. May it enable us to make a personal and communal examination of conscience and to ask ourselves whether the poverty of Jesus Christ is our faithful companion in life".

I wish that our pastors in our parishes will not only acquaint us with the Holy Father's Letter, but also, we will recognize the needs of our brothers and sisters.

" For your sakes, Christ became poor" (2 Cor 8:9). Evangelical poverty opens man to God and to others.

Works of mercy are works of love through which we come to the aid of our neighbors in the needs of their body and soul. To instruct, to counsel, to comfort, to strengthen, as well as to forgive, and to endure wrongs patiently, are works of mercy for the soul. Corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, giving the homeless a roof over their heads, dressing the naked, visiting the sick and prisoners, burying the dead. Of these deeds, alms given to the poor are one of the fundamental testimonies of fraternal charity; it is also the practice of righteousness that pleases God.

Who is Jesus Christ to me?

Hungry, who need to be fed.

Thirsty, who need to be given a drink.

Naked, who needs to be clothed.

Homeless people who need to be welcomed.

The sick who needs to be cured.

The lonely who must be loved,

the Unwanted, who must be wanted.

A leper who needs to be washed of his wounds.

A beggar who needs to be given a smile.

A drunk to whom needs must be listened.

Mentally ill, who must be protected.

A little one who needs to be embraced.

The blind who needs to be led.

A mute for whom I must speak.

A cripple with whom I must go.

A drug addict who needs to be given friendship.

A prisoner who must be visited

Until Tomorrow

fr. george

The holy Father Letter ids Attached

Please make yourselves familiar with this Message