Social Sin

The prodigal Son reading yesterday, love your neighbor the other day, and Jesus heals on the Sabbath tomorrow. Sin and Evil leads to confusion and disorientation from God and others. Even when we do not think we have sinned we might want to look again. The story of the Rich man and Lazarus is a story of inactivity. Remember we pray, "For what I have done, and what Ihave failed to do."

In both the, Church in the Modern World, and Called and chosen, The Church, that is us, is supposed to be prophetic in the world. By our preaching, teaching, and ministry, we are supposed to call attention to the poor, anawim, and the oppressed. Our awareness would hopefully lead others to become more aware, and responsive, to the needs and concerns of the poor. When I was growing up in Rockford, St Patrick School would sponsor a skating party three or four times a year. The admission was two canned goods. The sisters would explain the needs and hungers of many of the poor and dejected.

But also we want to be aware of the global needs of men and women by the way we vote, use natural resources, and save and invest money. The Church, and all of the baptized, are invited to do more than be nice to others. The Church is to be an advocate for human life and dignity. Our teachings are not always appreciated but very necessary in this, what John Paul II called, the culture of death.

It is important to remember and share what Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, and groups like St Vincent DePaul, do for people. Stewardship asks the question, "What do I do after I have said Amen.