World Day of the Poor 2020: Pope Francis urges us to stretch our hands to the 'fragile'

Abu Dhabi.
 

"Stretch forth your hand to the poor"(Sir 7:32)

Pope Francis has released his message for the World Day of the Poor 2020, which will be observed on Sunday, 15 November. The theme of the day is “Stretch forth your hand to the Poor”, which is taken from the book of Sirach.

The Pope calls our attention to fix our gaze on the poor and marginalized, overcoming the barriers of indifference, thus encountering Jesus Christ in all our brothers and sisters. 

Poverty always appears in a variety of guises and calls for attention to each particular situation. The pandemic has brought to light a form of poverty, which is 'fragility'.
 

Here is a brief summary of the Pope's message, highlighting its salient points.


FAITH AT TIMES OF MISERY 
The author of the book of Sirach presents us with advice on many life situations, including poverty. This sage who lived 200 years before Christ insists us to continue trusting in God even in times of hardship.

INSEPARABLE NATURE OF PRAYER AND SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR
Each person is created in the image of God. In order to perform an acceptable form of worship to God, we have to recognize everyone, even the poorest and most contemptible.

Prayer to God and solidarity with the poor are closely connected. Prayer attains its goal when accompanied by service to the poor.

COMMITMENT TO GENEROSITY
The theme of the day is very timely, emphasizing the need to be generous to the weak and afflicted. It is a concrete commitment inspired by divine charity, which cannot be decided by the time available or private interests. 

The pope reiterates the truth that the poor are and always will be with us to help us welcome Christ’s presence into our daily lives.

HELP TO ALLEVIATE MARGINALIZATION
The Christian community is called to encounter the poor and help them in alleviating their suffering.  We cannot feel ‘’alright’’ when any other member of our human family is left behind and in the shadows.

Though the Church has no comprehensive solutions to propose, by the grace of Christ, she can offer her witness and offer gestures of charity.

OVERCOME THE WHIRLWIND OF INDIFFERENCE
A hand held out is a sign; a sign that immediately speaks of closeness, solidarity, and love. The Pope encourages us to recognize the good silently done by people who are “saints” living around us. Many times, the whirlwind of indifference blinds us from seeing the generosity of others.

During these months of the pandemic, which sparked a powerful sense of helplessness, we could see many outstretched hands, who reached out to the poor and needy. We have come to sense our limitations and the restriction of our freedom which gave us the conviction that we need mutual help and we have a shared responsibility for others.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT TO ACTS OF LOVE
The theme, “Stretch forth your hand to the poor” stresses our responsibility and commitment as men and women who are part of our one human family. It encourages us to bear the burdens of the weakest which is rather a sign of the authenticity of the faith we profess.

The book of Sirach suggests concrete ways to support the most vulnerable. We are asked to sympathize with those who are sorrowing and to visit the sick.

The time of pandemic has restricted our mobility forcing us into strict isolation, making us more aware of the fragility of our lives. However, the Pope reminds us that the Word of God constantly impels us to acts of love.

CHANGE INTO INSTRUMENTS OF JUSTICE AND PEACE
Pope Francis challenges the attitude of those who prefer to keep their hands in their pockets and to remain unmoved by situations of poverty in which they are often complicit. We cannot be happy until these hands that sow death are transformed into instruments of justice and peace for the whole world.

LOVE: THE ULTIMATE GOAL IN OUR LIFE
“In everything you do, remember your end” (Sir 7:36). Reflecting on these words from the book of Sirach, Pope Francis concludes his message.  Remembering our common destiny can help lead to a life of concern for those poorer than ourselves or lacking the opportunities that were ours.

The Pope reminds us that the “end” of all our actions can only be love, and this is the ultimate goal of our journey. This love is one of sharing, dedication, and service, born of the realization that we were first loved and awakened to love. 

Pope Francis affirms the presence of the Virgin Mary at our side during our encounter with the poor and encourages us to ask her intercession in our service of the afflicted.

Click the links below to:

• Read the full text of the message
• Download the Pastoral Resource by Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization