(Death, Heaven, Purgatory, Hell)
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
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We Cannot Be Resigned to World Poverty
Pope John Paul II, Angelus, September 27, 1998
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
1. Today is the liturgical memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, patron of all charitable associations. In considering this distinguished witness to the love of God and one's brethren, especially the poor and abandoned, we must turn our attention to one of the greatest challenges facing our conscience: the truly intolerable contrast between that portion of humanity which enjoys all the advantages of economic well-being and scientific progress, and the vast number of those who live in conditions of extreme poverty. In my Apostolic letter Tertio millennio adveniente, I insisted that "commitment to justice and peace" should be "a necessary condition for the preparation and celebration of the Jubilee" (n. 51). In view of the Holy Year now at hand, it is therefore necessary to ask ourselves: where are we with our commitment?
As suggested by today's liturgy, we are urged to reflect on the Gospel parable of the impoverished Lazarus and the rich man. It clearly proclaims that in the stark contrast between insensitive rich and the poor in need of everything, God is on the latter's side. We cannot resign ourselves to the immoral spectacle of a world in which there are still people who die of hunger, who are homeless, who lack the most elementary education, who cannot find work and who are unable to receive the necessary treatment when they are ill. And this list of old and new forms of poverty could be enormously lengthened.
2. It is urgently necessary to promote a culture and policy of solidarity, beginning in the heart of each person, in his ability to let himself be challenged by those in need. Of course, given the complexity of these problems, personal commitment is not enough. Some problems, such as the international debt of poor countries, require a concerted response on the part of the international community.
However, only if the culture of solidarity grows within individuals and families, will it be possible to deal effectively with the great challenges of poverty and social injustice. As I recommended in my Apostolic Letter Dies Domini, Sunday must be a special day of charity if it is to be spent as the Lord's Day in every respect.
3. May the Blessed Virgin help us all to grow in our sense of brotherhood. May Mary, invoked in the Litany of Loreto as Comfort of the Afflicted, also use our arms and our hearts to bring her comfort and motherly concern to all who are in need.