Thirtieth Sunday of the Year, C – October 23, 2016: World Mission Sunday.
Readings: Sir 35:12-14, 16-18; Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18; Gospel Lk 18:9-14.
Theme: Siding with the Poor in Prayer, Humility, Charity & Mission
In our first reading (Sir 35:12-14, 16-18) today, God makes a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable while stamping his authority to not only defend them but grant their heart's desires. In Catholic theology, preferential option for the poor is a teaching that is based on the Catholic Social Doctrine of the Church which makes a case for all those who are marginalised in society. These include the unborn children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and victims of injustice and oppression.
The Church Fathers urge the faithful according to their ability to share and dispose of their goods to help others by giving them aid which will enable them to help and develop themselves. (The Church in the Modern World - Gaudium et Spes #69)
We must realise that the earth belongs to everyone, not only to the rich alone (On the Development of Peoples - Populorum Progressio, #23) which is why the poor and vulnerable must always be on our agenda.
