Caritas, of Course
This gospel passage is so familiar that even candidates for President have referenced it while campaigning. Like many familiar biblical verses, stories and images, it can be easily relegated to the “blah, blah, blah” portions of our hearts and minds. Of course, we should feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty. Of course, we should clothe the naked and shelter the homeless. Of course, we should visit those who are sick and imprisoned.
Of course, it’s not that easy.
If it were, we would not have hundreds of millions of people in our world threatened with starvation or chronic hunger. We wouldn’t have battles from Ethiopia and Egypt to many areas of the USA over access to fresh water. We wouldn’t have tens of thousands of homeless people in LA, Seattle and other major cities. We wouldn’t have Pope Francis talking about the epidemic of loneliness afflicting many sick and elderly people. We wouldn’t have our jails and prisons serving as the leading institutions caring for (actually, warehousing) those who are mentally ill.
While there are endless political debates about whether government, the private sector, or some combination of both is best suited to address these problems and needs, virtually everyone supports what we have come to call the corporal works of mercy. But Jesus is asking something more from us. True charity is more than a salve to a guilty conscience, or a sense of noblesse oblige. Caritas is love in action. Jesus makes a direct link between our relationship with him and our relationships with those whose suffering calls to respond in compassion, mercy and justice, especially those whom Jesus calls “the least of these.” They are more than clients, guests, beneficiaries, or customers. They are our brothers and sisters.
When St. Francis realized this in his encounter with the leper, it changed his life and eventually the Church and our world. More change is needed…and possible. –jc
Notes from a Journey - Capuchin Friar John Celichowski