January 2, 2015 – From Sr. Carole Anne Griswold

Jesus loves the poor so much that he tells his disciples, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.” (Mt. 25:40)

Sometimes, we become overwhelmed with the amount and different types of poverty in our midst, in our local community, our state, our country and in our world. Most often some form of poverty results from human trafficking, immigration, unemployment, homelessness, racism, degradation of the environment and a disrespect for life in all its forms. We read about it daily in the media. We see it on the news. We experience poverty as we travel through our cities or neighborhoods.

Do we really need to have our attention called to the poverty in a special way for a whole month? January has been designated as Poverty Awareness Month 2015 by the USSCB. It is viewed as an opportunity for the US Bishops, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the Catholic Community in the US to take up Pope Francis’ challenge to live in solidarity with those who daily struggle with the injustice of poverty. “We are one family under God”.

We are all aware of the phrase “option for the poor” and personally have embraced this principle in our daily lives for years. The challenge put before us in this month is: “how do you live out the option for the poor and vulnerable”? One way is related to the gift we bring, as did the three kings bring gifts, the gift of our voice. We claim, “As Gospel Women, contemplatives in action, we live compassionate justice and courageously speak the truth.”

As Christians we all have a responsibility to care for those who are poor. How do you collaborate with others to extend your voice and hands to advocate for those who are poor?

As HM Sisters who profess the vow of poverty, how will you during this month deepen your understanding of this vow, conscious of God’s created world? What small action will you take that will enable you to live in solidarity with those who daily struggle with the injustice of poverty?

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.” (Mt. 25:40)