World Day of the Poor

In today’s Gospel we hear another perplexing parable about how we are to live as Christians and use the gifts God has given us. One take-away message is very clear and is at the heart of this day that Pope Francis has declared to be the first annual World Day of the Poor: Love not in word but in deed.

In a message that set out the purpose of this day, Pope Francis wrote: “Love has no alibi. Whenever we set out to love as Jesus loved, we have to take the Lord as our example; especially when it comes to loving the poor...We are called to draw near to the poor, to encounter them, to meet their gaze, to embrace them and to let them feel the warmth of love that breaks through their solitude.”

Specifically, Pope Francis called on us to invite those we serve in our ministries, along with our parish volunteers, to gather together in prayer and “as honored guests at our table.” This Sunday, we have invited friends with whom we minister at Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach, Bethany House, and through our gift cards and other ministries to join us for a Thanksgiving meal. Many people have contributed to this meal and will join with us in welcoming these guests who give so much to us through their friendship and the sharing of their experiences. Children in Family Faith have created welcome signs in many languages and will join us at the tables. Doing something for the first time can always feel chaotic, as this has at times, but it’s also been a beautiful experience of community and trust in the Spirit.

What can you do? Please pray this day and every day for all people living in poverty and consider how you might get involved with one of our social outreach ministries. Pope Francis says that “sharing with the poor enables us to understand the deepest truth of the Gospel.” Sharing with the poor brings us closer to Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

This week we will celebrate Thanksgiving. St. Joseph’s celebrates with 9:00AM Thanksgiving Day Mass — a beautiful way to start your day by giving thanks to God. Our collection on that day is dedicated to Christmas assistance with groceries and gifts — please give cash and checks on that day or throughout the weekend in an envelope marked “for gift cards.” Cash or check are preferable to actual cards; our staff will purchase the gift cards needed. At the offertory, you may bring forward non-perishable foods.

We wish you and your family a most blessed Thanksgiving day, full of gratitude for the many ways God blesses our lives.

Read the full text of Pope Francis' announcement of the World Day of the Poor.