Written by A Reflection on Poverty.
Psalm 140: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”
The fifth World Day of the Poor will be celebrated on 14th November 2021. Pope Francis has sent a message to mark this occasion. He begins by quoting the gospel of Saint Mark, “The poor you will always have with you”. He goes on to say “Christ’s gospel summons us to display special concern for the poor and to recognize the varied and excessive forms of social disorder that are generating ever new forms of poverty. There seems to be a growing notion that the poor are not only responsible for their condition, but that they represent an intolerable burden for an economic system focused on the interests of a few privileged groups. A market that ignores ethical principles, or picks and chooses from among them, creates inhumane conditions for people already in precarious situations. We are now seeing the creation of new traps of poverty and exclusion, set by unscrupulous economic and financial actors lacking in a humanitarian sense and social responsibility.”
This prayer was written by Saint Theresa of Calcutta.
Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow brothers and sisters throughout the world,
Who live and die in poverty and hunger.
Give them through our hands this day their daily bread,
And by our understanding love, give peace and joy.
Make us worthy, Lord to serve our brothers and sisters
Who are scattered throughout the world,
Who live and die alone and poor.
Give them today, using our hands , their daily bread.
And using our love, give them peace and happiness. Amen