Our Catholic Social Teaching theme for this half-term is: Option for the Poor
Poverty is defined by Catholic Social Teaching as being prevented from living a life worth of the dignity of a human being, due to the lack of being able to provide for one’s basic needs.
Poverty denies people their most basic human rights.
This does not mean that everyone is going to have the same, but when extreme inequality causes people to suffer, then they are reduced to a state of poverty.
It is because poverty cripples so many people that the Social Teaching of the Church puts the poor and vulnerable in society as a top priority.
What does Scripture say?
Exodus 22:20-26
You shall not oppress the poor or vulnerable. God will hear their cry.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak out in defence of the poor.
Luke 4:16-21
Jesus proclaims his mission: to bring the Good News to the poor and oppressed.
Luke 6:20-23
Blessed are the poor, theirs is the Kingdom of God.
What does Pope Francis say?
5th June 2013 – General Audience at St Peter’s Square –
“We have to become courageous Christians and seek out those who need help most.”
30th July 2013 – World Youth Day in Brazil
“The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty. We do not judge our progress based on how the wealthiest are doing. Instead, we evaluate our greatness by observing how the most vulnerable are faring. And then, whenever we see deficiencies, we are called to respond in faith.”
In our classes, we will be learning how to imitate Christ’s love for the poor by working to create a society where the needs of the poor are always considered first.