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Monday, November 20, 2017

First World Day of the Poor


We Can't Remain Passive
   
Let us love, not with words but with deeds. – 1 John 3:18


First World Day of the Poor
  
On Sunday, November 19, 2017 Pope Francis launched the first World Day of the Poor reminding us the ‘no Christ may disregard’ serving the poor.

"If we want to help change history, we need to hear the cry of the poor and commit ourselves to ending their marginalization. We cannot remain passive. Blessed are the hands that reach beyond every barrier of culture, religion, and nationality, and pour the balm of consolation over the wounds of humanity.  Blessed are the open hands that ask nothing in exchange, with no “ifs” or “buts” or “maybes”: they are hands that call down God’s blessing upon their brothers and sisters.

This new World Day should become a powerful appeal to our consciences as believers, allowing us to grow in the conviction that sharing with the poor enables us to understand the deepest truth of the Gospel.  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.”

During this Harvest Season and the call to ‘Give Thanks’ let us ask ourselves who are the poor in our midst.  How do we serve them?  How is the face of the poor visible to us?  How do we proclaim this Gospel directive as Disciples of Jesus today?

Let us love, not with words but with deeds

For the full text of the Pope’s message go to:

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