THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, and not simply to close the gap between the affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs falling from the table, but above all to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness and respect for every human being.(Pope Francis, Address to the Food and Agricultural Organization, 6/20/13).
After reading the above statement carefully a couple of times at least, just imagine you are the one entrusted with the task of establishing this way Pope Francis refers to - ensuring the fruits of the earth are distributed fairly to all! Then ask yourself how you would go about it and what might be the obstacles you would most likely meet making your task seem impossible?
Drawing up a method of operating to achieve your goal is one thing, but I suspect greed is the root cause of today’s situation, and this wouldn’t vanish because you are now in charge! We all know that ample food is produced each day, more than enough for everyone, yet hunger blots the landscape right across the globe.
A second obstacle would no doubt be indifference. This trait can easily find a home in any of us. We become satisfied with contributing to causes, but in reality we keep ourselves free of feeling any pain. Valuable and all that our donations and efforts are, we know we are not going to be starving as a result. Any plan to ensure justice for all in the food department alone, would no doubt mean a huge sacrifice on the part of those who have plenty. It is the fear of starvation that would put most of us off rather than the reality.
How then does all this relate to our work in the society of St Vincent de Paul? To answer that question, we need first of all be aware that the Church’s mission is to transform the world with the values of the gospel, and caring for the poor is at the heart of this work. It is simply obeying the commandment of Christ to love one another as he has loved us.
It seems however there is no master plan other than the power we have to influence others through our generosity and concern. When this is witnessed there will always be someone willing to help. In a recent conversation with Mike, a school teacher who made a point of helping at risk youth to develop their sporting talent, he would seek help in obtaining the clothes and equipment needed, often considerable. That help came from his local V de P. No questions asked. Mike had seen a need, acted upon it and looked around for support. Sometimes the best way we can help is by supporting those who see what we do not.
If the way, which Pope Francis longed for, comes about through our efforts or through supporting other visionaries, matters little. Our efforts will always only be taking a drop from the ocean of poverty, but we offer these in faith, believing that one day compassion will permeate the world. After all, doesn’t faith move mountains? If it does, the dream is not an impossible one.
DISCUSSION:
1) If you were the person chosen to find the way for a just distribution of food for New Zealand, what obstacles, other than greed and indifference, would you likely meet?
2) What examples are you aware of, whereby the V de P supports another’s vision? Do you think the Society needs to be more pro-active in this way?
