UNIT 5 – 6.2a Be Just

How Much Is Enough? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”

How Much Is Enough?

How Much Is Enough? Mother Teresa is someone who hungered and thirst for righteous in the world. She dedicated her life to helping the poorest outcasts in slums of Calcutta, India – the lepers, the poor, the hungry, the terminally ill, the social outcasts etc. She believed every one deserves to die with dignity because we are all children of God

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” How Much Is Enough? “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

How Much Is Enough? How Much Is Enough?

How Much Is Enough? Often we talk about helping the poor, but do we recognize the poor? Do we ignore them as we pass them by on the street? Do we know who is poor in our community? Is it right to give hand outs? Will they waste it on drugs and alcohol or use it for food? Does my small donation do anything to really help them change their circumstance?

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

How Much Is Enough?

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” How Much Is Enough? “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”

How Much Is Enough? Who are the meek? Why do they not fight back when they are being oppressed? Gandhi – the father of the Independent Indian through peaceful non-violent resistance Nelson Mandela – imprisoned for speaking out against racial injustices in South Africa St. Jean de Brebeuf – Martyred for his faith and sharing his faith with his beloved Huron brothers and sisters Jesus – died for the forgiveness of our sins

What does it mean to be a person of justice? We must work toward the common good and show compassion and love to our neighbour. Sometimes we are called to put our wants aside to ensure the needs of others are being met. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the greater good and for righteousness. Sometimes we need to recognize that we don’t all have the same starting point and then accommodate for these differences.

How Much Is Enough?

Fair Trade Many products that are manufactured and foods that are grown in the developing world exploit cheap labour. We in the developed world often enjoy these things at cheaper prices because of this cheaper labour. Fairly traded products are products that are sold at a fair price to ensure that the people who worked to produce them are fairly compensated for there work. E.g. fairly traded coffee is sold for a little more but ensures fair compensation for the farmers who grew the coffee beans.

How Much Is Enough? Solidarity with the poor is solidarity with God. God has a special closeness with the poor - the rich often put their riches between them and God. Preferential Option for the Poor - is a call to all Christians to follow God’s loving example and to give preferential love to the poor when we make community decisions. We must always make choices that put the interests of those who are truly in need first, even before our own desires and wants.

How can we help the poor in the world? Give to the Church Give to ShareLife Give to clothing drives Give to Food drives Give to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Write to our politicians and leaders lobbying for affordable housing and improved social services Volunteer at soup kitchens and shelters Volunteer with NGO’s working in the developing world.