Mission Appeal

Some of us might remember, back in catholic grade school, receiving what looked like saving booklets, in which we inserted nickels, dimes, or quarters.  At the end of Advent or Lent, we would turn these in to Sister, which would then be sent to support the missions.  At a young age this was our first experience of supporting the mission activity of the Church.

This weekend we have the Oblates of St. Francis DeSales presenting their work and ministry.  I had supper with Father Reese last night and he shared extensively his experience in Africa.  That conversation extended into the social and political difficulties that Africa faces on a daily basis.  As we spoke we lamented the fact that at one time or another most of the continent is engaged in some sort of military activity.  On top of this there is violence between faith groups and intense poverty.  It is not a good situation.

Too often the governments are corrupt or centered on keeping themselves in power.  The basic necessities of food, clean water, medical care, education, and housing seem to often fall be the wayside.  So there are a few who are always wealthy and wield most of the authority, and a population that struggles to make a life for themselves.  It is a terrible situation for many.  The Church provides for the spiritual needs, but must also provide food, clothing, health care, and education for a desperate people.  The corporal and spiritual works of mercy are foundation to build on here.

I say this because often we are told that the Church needs to stay our of politics.  But is human dignity and human right really a political issue?  The story of the Good Samaritan certainly sounds as if Jesus is mandating taking care of the physical as well as the spiritual needs of one another.  The community we see described in the Acts of the Apostles quite naturally moved to care for the poor and the needy.  More often than not, the Church is alone in caring for the poor and the anawim in many places.

We are taking a second collection today; there are no cute coin thingys.  But it is our responsibility to pray and support the work of those in the missions.  It is part of our sharing Good News.