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Bishop's Column Summer 2003 |
| Bishop James A. Tamayo |
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Having just celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day these last two months brings warm familial thoughts to mind. Along with the flowers, cards and gifts, and whether in a restaurant or home, comes the gathering at the table for a special meal. For most of us, these words conjure pleasurable memories. Unfortunately, for others they don’t even exist. All too often in our community we hear stories of heartache, despair and solace. Most of us even turn a blind eye to the visible signs of poverty we encounter on a daily basis. And so, it is during this time of familial celebrations and family vacations, that I choose to discuss the new endeavor recently launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) entitled A Place at the Table: A Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and to Respect the Dignity of All God’s Children. The two beatitudes emphasized in this summer issue, blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth and blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:5), coincides with the proceeding USCCB mission statement reminding us of the great responsibility we bear as stewards of our Lord in this noble undertaking. As Catholics, we must come together with a common conviction that we can no longer tolerate the moral scandal of poverty in our land and so much hunger and deprivation in our world. As believers, we can debate how best to overcome these realities, but we must be united in our determination to do so. Our faith teaches us that poor people are not issues or problems but sisters and brothers in God’s one human family. We often tout the technological advances of the new millennium. But what about providing the most basic necessities and commodities like food, water and shelter for our brothers and sisters in need? Whether it’s in Hebbronville, Zapata, La Pryor, Asherton, Quemado, Eagle Pass, Carrizo Springs, El Cenizo, Rio Bravo or Laredo, the problems persist. We see the face of poverty on our streets, bridges and schools. We see them seeking immigration assistance from Catholic Social Services. We see them in the long lines at La Casita grateful for the free food provided to them through the missionary efforts of our religious sisters. And we see them humbly savoring a free hot, and perhaps their only, meal at the Bethany House. But what are you doing to make a difference in our community? What, as a good Catholic, are you doing to break down the barriers preventing people from receiving physical and spiritual nourishment in our towns and cities? Their problem is our problem. Pope John Paul II, in Novo Millennio Ineunte, No. 50, said, “How can it be that even today there are still people dying of hunger? Condemned to illiteracy? Lacking the most basic medical care? Without a roof over their heads…Christians must learn to make their act of faith in Christ by discerning His voice in the cry for help that rises from this world of poverty.” Inevitably, the destitution affects us all. No one is insulated from its misery. How can you help? Live in such a way that you share your time, talent and treasure in the service of God and the community. Just as we have generously received all from God, then we in turn are to live in the spirit of this love by sharing the resources of the earth with our brothers and sisters.Why should you help, you ask? Consider the following call to action by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Our faith calls us to it. The Gospel and Catholic social teaching place our service of the poor and vulnerable and our work for justice at the center of Christian witness. Our nation needs it. A sixth of our children are growing up poor in the richest nation on earth. The blessings and burdens of American life are not being shared fairly. Our world requires it. More than 30,000 children die every day from hunger, deprivation, and their consequences. Disease and debt, corruption and conflict are threatening the lives and dignity of millions in our increasingly global world. Our salvation demands it. In Jesus’ description of the Last Judgment, the critical question is “What did you do for the least of these?” Jesus identified himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned, and the stranger, insisting that when we serve them we serve him. Our actions can make a difference. In the face of these challenges, our community of faith must continue to preach the Gospel and pursue the Church’s evangelizing and social mission. We can help shape a world where the lives and dignity of all people are respected and protected. Within the Diocese of Laredo, may we all hunger and thirst for righteousness so that every person may receive their spiritual and material daily bread from a community where everyone generously shares todo con amor! |
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Tour the Texas sized exhibit in Houston. |
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They are the children of immigrants; now they work to include thr excluded. |
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