Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor

by Brandon Jubar

Society and the social order are always in need of improvement, which is why the Church has set the "common good" as its goal. In order for us to be successful at this, we need a foundation of truth and justice, brought to life by love for one another. But what we need to stay focused on is that the "common good" means the good of all human life.

These Least Ones

"If someone who has the riches of this world sees his brother in need and closes his heart to him, 
how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17)

In a very special way, our quest for the common good requires that we reach out to the poor, who are often without the means to handle problems that the middle-class deal with on a regular basis. For example, while you and I may be concerned with the high price of gasoline and whether or not we'll need to trade in our SUV for a more economical vehicle, there are people in our community who can barely afford bus fare to get them to their minimum-wage jobs.

"He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, 
you did not do for me.'" (Matthew 25:45)

It has been said that the moral litmus test of any society is the way in which it treats its weakest members. These are the people who have, by far, the most pressing need for help. The degree to which we allow them to suffer is also a measure of how far we are from being a healthy society. And we can't say that Jesus didn't warn us!

A Catholic Response (and Responsibility)

The "preferential option for the poor" -- a phrase used to describe the Christian responsibility towards the most vulnerable members of society -- is a key part of our effort to achieve the common good. A truly healthy society can only be created if people will reach out to those with special needs -- those who are poor and on the margins of society.

Society becomes healthy because reaching the goal means enabling everyone to become an active participant. All persons should be able to contribute to the common good. The "option for the poor" is not some pithy slogan to be tossed around on Bible Study Night and then forgotten for the rest of the week. Nor is it designed to create an "us vs. them" mentality, pitting the "haves" against the "have-nots". Its purpose is to share the understanding that the plight of the poor harms the whole community.

A Very Personal Challenge

Saint Ambrose said, "You are not making a gift of your possessions to the poor person. You are handing over to him what is his. For what has been given in common for the use of all, you have arrogated to yourself. The world is given to all, and not only to the rich."

The challenge present in these words is a very personal one because it calls upon us, as individuals, to give up some of our possessions and share our "wealth" with the poor. If we have more, we are asked to give more of our goods for the service of others. In a world where status is measure by the wealth one has amassed, this is a very difficult pill to swallow.

The Church teaches that those in dire straits are entitled to have their needs filled from the riches of others. And those on the margins of society -- whose rights are often denied -- must have preferential claims if justice is to be achieved. Our Christian faith demands that we speak for those with no voice, defend those who cannot defend themselves, and make all societal decisions with the welfare of the poor in mind.

This is not a punishment. The poor and marginalized should not be seen as burdens on society. On the contrary, improvement for the poor represents a vast opportunity for the overall advancement of all mankind.

Life Applications:

What is meant by "preferential option for the poor"?
How does this relate to the goal of improving the "common good"?
What do you do to help the poor and marginalized of our society?

Copyright 2005 by Brandon Jubar
All rights reserved.