Homily: Solemnity of Christ the King
“Poverty - What Can We Do?”
by Fr. William Holtzinger
November 19/20, 2005
Poverty... What
is poverty? What comes to mind when you think about poverty? When we
have little or not enough money -- that’s poverty. But you see, poverty
happens in many forms. Not having a good education is a form of
poverty. Being unemployed is a poverty. Being under-employed is also a
poverty. Being under-employed means having a job, but well below your
skill level. Being stricken by a disease is a poverty. Natural
disasters are a form of poverty. Feeling like you have no options in
your life is a poverty. Most significantly, not having faith is a
poverty.
The most
difficult saying Jesus gave us is when he told us that we must love our
enemies. The second most difficult is the one from Matthew we herd
today. We are told that we encounter Jesus when ever we feed the
hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned. Why? is
this so difficult? Because we don’t like to be impoverished or keep
company with anyone who is impoverished. But, if we don’t, we won’t
encounter Jesus either. Do you remember the words of the Gospel?
Whenever we serve the poor, we serve Jesus... plain and simple.
Because of all
the natural disasters in our world lately, many of the normal food items
that we get to help the poor from the Oregon Food Bank are nearly gone.
This is sad news, but it isn’t the end of the story.
This Thursday,
Thanksgiving Day, we will have an opportunity to help many families who
struggle by giving to our own St. Vincent de Paul during Mass that day.
When the time for the collection occurs, instead of passing the baskets
around, I will be asking everyone get out of their pews and put their
envelope or money to a baskets in the front of the Church as well as
leave some food items in front of the altar for St. Vincent de Paul. I
tell you now so that you won’t come empty handed. It is a sign of our
solidarity. It’s a way of living out the Gospel we heard today. Look
and see what non-perishable foods you can offer. When you go shopping
before Thursday, think of buying some extra items for those who are less
fortunate than you.
Remember that
when ever we offer assistance to anyone in need, we encounter the living
Christ in each person. May God bless us in our labors. May we all come
to encounter the Risen Savior in those who need it most.