For Sale the Vatican
Proceeds from the sale to be distributed to the poor.
This idea was presented to me as I greeted parishioners leaving mass. I did not offer a comment but the proposition has been running around in my head for a week. Have you ever had a song get stuck in your mind that continues to play over and over? Well that’s the position I find my self in, sell the Vatican give the proceeds to the poor. It just sort of lingers waiting for some sort of resolution.
Just suppose the sale of the Vatican became a reality would the proceeds from the sale make a difference in poverty? The answer is No! Why?
Because the government and many agencies have thrown money at the poverty problem for years with limited to no positive results. So it stands to reason that throwing more money will produce the same dismal results.
The war on poverty is the name for legislation introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in his state of the union address January 8, 1964. Many programs and billions of dollars later we still have people standing on freeway exits holding signs that read Will Work for Food.
Over forty years later the war on poverty is unfortunately still alive and well. Poverty is much more complicated than a lack of money. There are numerous reasons people find themselves living below the poverty line. Lack of sufficient education, insufficient job training are just two reasons why many can’t get out of poverty.
Jesus said the poor you have with you always. Does that mean we are to throw up our hands and give up on helping those in need? We all know the answer.
So do we sell the Vatican? Money no matter the amount won’t eliminate poverty. But a concerted effort by every Catholic through Catholic Social Services for example can make a difference one soul at a time.
Jesus ministered using a one on one style when ever possible. He addressed the specific needs of those who sought His help. I think a one on one grass roots movement is the answer to elevate the poverty problem.
Local parishes reaching out and addressing the spiritual and temporal needs in the community. Moving up a step the diocese moves in and addresses needs it is prepared to address.
We have the message and the means to address the poverty issue. The task is a daunting one but by the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God we can address the poverty issue without selling the Vatican.
This idea was presented to me as I greeted parishioners leaving mass. I did not offer a comment but the proposition has been running around in my head for a week. Have you ever had a song get stuck in your mind that continues to play over and over? Well that’s the position I find my self in, sell the Vatican give the proceeds to the poor. It just sort of lingers waiting for some sort of resolution.
Just suppose the sale of the Vatican became a reality would the proceeds from the sale make a difference in poverty? The answer is No! Why?
Because the government and many agencies have thrown money at the poverty problem for years with limited to no positive results. So it stands to reason that throwing more money will produce the same dismal results.
The war on poverty is the name for legislation introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in his state of the union address January 8, 1964. Many programs and billions of dollars later we still have people standing on freeway exits holding signs that read Will Work for Food.
Over forty years later the war on poverty is unfortunately still alive and well. Poverty is much more complicated than a lack of money. There are numerous reasons people find themselves living below the poverty line. Lack of sufficient education, insufficient job training are just two reasons why many can’t get out of poverty.
Jesus said the poor you have with you always. Does that mean we are to throw up our hands and give up on helping those in need? We all know the answer.
So do we sell the Vatican? Money no matter the amount won’t eliminate poverty. But a concerted effort by every Catholic through Catholic Social Services for example can make a difference one soul at a time.
Jesus ministered using a one on one style when ever possible. He addressed the specific needs of those who sought His help. I think a one on one grass roots movement is the answer to elevate the poverty problem.
Local parishes reaching out and addressing the spiritual and temporal needs in the community. Moving up a step the diocese moves in and addresses needs it is prepared to address.
We have the message and the means to address the poverty issue. The task is a daunting one but by the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God we can address the poverty issue without selling the Vatican.
