If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also, faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
The words of today’s second reading remind me of an experience I had in my former parish. Once a month, a group of middle and high school age students, with adult chaperones, participated in a “Breakfast Run.” The group was assigned a safe Manhattan location on a weekend morning where they provided a hot breakfast and donated clothes to those who are either living on the streets or in low-rent single rooms. The hot meals, along with other items, were prepared prior to the run by the volunteers. At the location, tables were set up, and the food and meals were distributed by the young people with the supervision of the adults. Once the meal was served, the participants were invited to another section of tables where donated clothing and toiletries were available. By the end of the hour, anywhere from 50 to 80 people were served. Whenever I participated in these Breakfast Runs, I was privileged to witness a manifestation of the teaching of St. James, and I was challenged to examine how well I was living as a disciple of Christ.
My reflection on those experiences is an appropriate segue into two more themes of Catholic Social Teaching. The words of St. James help us to focus on the themes of Rights and Responsibilities and a Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. Catholics have the responsibility of protecting the rights of those who are most vulnerable in society as well as give priority to meeting their needs.
- Human Dignity – Hearing the youth address the guests they served as “sir” and “ma’am” as they offered food and clothing was an example of giving another the dignity they deserve, no matter their state in life. How often do I call someone by name or refer to them in a derogatory manner? How often do I do that in front of children? Do we find ourselves echoing the pejorative statements we hear in the public forum?
- Giving without question – During the experience, I caught myself wondering why these recipients were here. Why aren’t they working? Where are their families? The young people did not seem to have these questions. They were focused on the person in front of them. How often do I question the integrity of another person? Am I judgmental of their life situation? Am I bothered by the time that I am asked to devote to someone?
- Basic Needs – Socks, underwear, t-shirts and some hardboiled eggs to save for later – these were the commodities with which we sent the recipients forth. They were placed in their hands by young people who in their own lives are tempted by the many “needs” that commercial consumerism places before them. How often am I not satisfied with the clothing, food and shelter with which I am blessed? Am I less charitable than I ought to be because I have devoted my resources to excessive comfort and luxury?
- Awareness – My trips to the city usually involve some kind of recreation or perhaps some business. Keeping my head down, I go about my day, rarely aware that the people that I pass may have received their breakfast or their clothes that morning from a group of strangers on the street. In the same manner, many walked by us that day, giving little attention to what we were about. How have I come to accept poverty as an ordinary and routine part of life? Am I so consumed in my own life that I am less aware of the burdens of others? Do I give my support to community leaders who are attentive to the needs of the poor and vulnerable?
Our faith calls us to do good works, and the good works engage us in the questions of our faith. At World Youth Day in 1993 in Denver, Pope St. John Paul II said to the youth, “Do not be afraid to go out into the streets and public places.” I wonder if we adults and young people need to be reminded of the challenge of St. John Paul II. As we prepare for our national election, the formation of our conscience is not simply about who we vote for but how we are being called to right the wrongs, particularly as it relates to the poor and vulnerable.
I would like to determine our parish communities’ interest in participating in similar Breakfast Runs. If families and individuals are interested in such an effort, please contact me. If there is interest or just a desire to know more, I will set up a meeting for anyone who would like to explore the possibility of doing Breakfast Runs.
CATECHETICAL SUNDAY – Next week marks the beginning of our Catechetical Year, the formal process of Faith Formation. In addition to the beginning of classes, we also invite adults (young and old) who are seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion to begin a process of formation as well. I am very grateful to our Faith Formation staff, volunteer catechists and our parish school teachers who regard education in faith as an important act of Christian service.
Peace,