DON’T FORGET THE POOR
When the late Jorge Bergolio was elected pope in 2013, a Brazilian Cardinal whispered in his ear “don’t forget the poor”. That story has become well known and if it were engraved into the psyche of each follower of Christ, who knows what might emerge.
In the lifetimes of all living today, I doubt if Catholics in general have ever been so conscious of our responsibility to the poor than during the reign of Pope Francis. This came about through the choice of name, by telling the story of what the Brazilian Cardinal said to him, by his writings, simplicity of dress and downplaying the pomp and ceremony often seen in the Vatican. After his election he went off and paid his hotel bill, rode the bus with the other Cardinals, and began riding in less ostentatious cars. In all this he was saying live simply, or, live simply so others may simply live. These gestures seem to have come naturally to him, they weren’t things he did just because he was now Pope. In themselves they do nothing significant to relieve poverty, other than bring to the forefront of our minds that care for the poor and social justice comes with the territory of belief in Christ.
In the course of writing these articles, I’ve come to appreciate John the Baptist’s answer to the people when they asked what they must do to repent. He does not reply open your hearts to the Lord, but rather: if you have two tunics, give one away (Lk 3:11). What a great slogan that in itself would make for our churches. What a challenge it would be.
The Baptist was talking to religious people, but what were they doing about the poor in their streets, support for widows and orphans, those prevented from a decent life through illness etc. They may be remembering God, but the compassionate and merciful God was the one they were, just as we are now, meant to reveal.
Don’t forget the poor wasn’t a challenge to Pope Francis to do something occasionally. No, it was a reminder to him that the Church has a mission to transform society according to the values of the gospel. And in order to achieve it, we must first of all live it.
DISCUSSION: Which of the two quotes would have the strongest influence on a congregation if it were boldly emblazoned on a placard at the church: don’t forget the poor; if you have two tunics, give one away?
