FOUR STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN WORKING WITH THE POOR

FOUR STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH Compassion towards the poor. Advocacy in favor of the poor. Humility in order to accept the fact that the poor are capable of saving themselves. Solidarity which puts us on their level and involved in their project.

COMPASSION The more that we are exposed to the sufferings of the poor, the more profound and durable is our compassion. Compassion leads us to action: ordinary charity, and a simplification of our lifestyle.

ADVOCACY IN DEFENSE OF THE POOR This step begins when we discover that poverty is a structural problem. Either our action changes something or we won’t advance further than before. The decision to advocate for the poor arises from our righteous anger against a system that suffocates the poor. We feel compelled to change society.

HUMILITY The poor must save themselves. They do not need us to do it for them. Humility requires a decision whereby we place ourselves at the service of the poor and accept what they can teach us. The poor know better than we what to do and how to do it. There is always the temptation to romanticize the poor.

SOLIDARITY The poor are human beings just like us. At times they make mistakes, are extremely proud, lack commitment and dedication. At times they are irresponsible. Nevertheless, we ought to learn from them. We learn from the poor when we become their friends on their level. It is by personal relations and the trust that develops that they listen to our opinions. Solidarity means to take seriously the project of the poor. The answer is to walk together.