If one only looks to the Gospel they see the Lord speaking of some other kind of food that will satisfy the soul, not just the stomach.

John 6:27 Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.

John 6:33  For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world

John 6:35 I am the bread of life

Have our social justice programs been holding out and not giving all they can to the poor?  Have we as Catholics been lazy and only give the poor what will fill their stomachs not their soul?

No.  We have not been lazy. There are men and women across the world of many different faiths and backgrounds who give their entire life to those who are in need.  These men and women are truly answering the call of Jesus Christ and serving the poor.  Some have become saints, some will go unknown.

Jesus

But I say there is a third way! If we add Jesus Christ back into the mix our poor may still remain financial poor, but their soul will be feed.  Sharing the Word of God cost nothing to our pockets, but everything to ourselves.  What is easier; giving a bag of clothing to the homeless shelter, or teaching someone about Jesus?

I would say both have great merit and many poor need clothing, food, and shelter; however all need Jesus Christ.

Let us look at our current programs run for the poor by the Catholic Church and ask ourselves, “Is Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church at the center of what we do?” Maybe the answer is yes, but if it is no then by increasing the participation of a third party (God) maybe those who we meet will not go hungry.

How do you think the Church is answering the Lord’s call?  How would you improve programs for the poor?

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