This Lent, commit to putting the most vulnerable first

by Lauren Solidum

Each year, as Lent approaches, many ponder what to “give up.” At Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, we challenge you to “take action,” making the season most meaningful for yourself and others.

Our annual 40 Ways, 40 Days Lenten social media campaign began on Ash Wednesday. This year, we take you on a journey through different Catholic social teachings, offering weekly reflections, real-life program outcomes and stories of hope from our 30-plus ministries. The campaign offers an opportunity to learn about our programs, engage with our mission and call others to do the same for those in need.

We begin by focusing on feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. Food and clothing, though basic, are necessities for a quality human life. We take a look at the ways that our food pantries, mobile food distribution, kids summer food, senior commodities and after-school meal programs help fight food insecurity.

Next, the focus shifts to prioritizing the well-being of those less fortunate so that they can become more active participants in society. The deprivation and powerlessness of the poor wounds communities, because everyone has the right to possess a sufficient amount of good for themselves and their family.

One way to possess good is through work. The Catholic Church believes that work is more than a way to make a living. The ability to work and earn a fair, livable wage honors the dignity of the human person. The economy exists to serve people — not the other way around. It’s important to defend the rights of workers so that they have safe working conditions, can adequately take care of their families and contribute to society.

We are reminded that we must be in solidarity in recognizing others as our brothers and sisters in Christ and actively working for their good, understanding what life is like for them — the poorest, most vulnerable and overlooked, wherever they are in the world.  As a human family, we must work together for the well-being of all to ensure everyone has what they need to live with dignity.

Solidarity also includes the call to welcome the stranger among us — including immigrants seeking work, a safe home, education for their children and a dignified life for their families. 

Our campaign concludes with a reminder that “all people have a right to life, food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, education and employment. A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition . . . instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first” (Pope St. John XXIII).

How are you putting the most vulnerable first this Lenten season and beyond?