The reasons as to why religions respond to social issues.
The Catholic Church response to Homelessness: teachings and biblical foundations.
Definition of a Social Issue: A social issue is a problem that influences a considerable number of the individuals within a society. It is often the consequence of factors extending beyond an individual's social issue is the source of a conflicting opinion on the grounds of what is perceived as a morally just personal life or societal order.
PAIR AND SHARE: Other than Homelessness, can you think of any other social issues in our society - locally, nationally and internationally? Share with a peer.
Reasons why religions respond to social issues: BRAINSTORM: In small groups, brainstorm why religions might respond to social issues in our society. Discuss your responses as a class.
Catholic Church response to Homelessness:
KEY FOCUS QUESTION: Why should the Catholic Church respond to the social issue of Homelessness? What are the Church Teachings and Biblical Foundations that underpin its response?
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: Is the teaching of the Catholic Church on Social Justice Issues. Two particular Catholic Social Teachings that apply to the social issue of 'Homelessness' are 1) Dignity of the Human Person and 2) Preferential Option for the Poor.
VIEW AND REVIEW: Before reviewing the information below in small groups, watch these two Caritas videos as a class to explain the aforementioned Catholic Social Teachings.
Explanation of Human Dignity: Human dignity is the starting point and central concern of Catholic thinking about human rights. Each person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore has a God-given dignity. Each member of the human family is equal rights because we are all children of one God. We are sisters and brothers to each other.
Homelessness takes away a person's human dignity as they no longer are been treated like a human being but instead are been labelled and isolated, they are also given little respect as people believe them to be of lower status just because they dont have a home to go back to. Homeless people should be given back their dignity as it isn't their choice to live the way they do, they shouldn't be labelled and stared at but instead be made to feel like they are human and like they do belong.
Explanation of Preferential Option for the Poor: The moral test of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. The option for the poor is an essential part of society's effort to achieve the common good. A healthy community can only be achieved if its members give special attention to those who are poor and on the margins of society.
For a healthy community to be created giving to the homeless people must be accomplished. Giving to the homeless could help change a persons life, whether its alittle bit of money so they can buy food or its a bottle of water to keep them hydrated this all adds up in the end. There are many Homeless shelther's around Australia that give someone a place to sleep every night. However, these shelthers are fast been filled leaving many people still on the streets. To help out the homeless we should be giving to them what they are unable to give to themself.
Reference: Text in blue is taken from http://australianhomelessness.weebly.com/catholic-social-teaching.html
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Before today, did you know about the Catholic Social Teachings of Human Dignity and Preferential Option for the Poor?
What are some examples of activities that are currently happening in the College that replicate these CST's?
Review the Caritas website (http://www.caritas.org.au/learn/catholic-social-teaching) and discuss whether there are any other applicable CST's relevant to the issue of Homelessness?
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH:
READ: The following verse from the Catechism highlights the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, which are important Catholic teachings relevant to the social issue of Homelessness.
2447 – The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbour in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The Corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.
REFLECTION - "SHELTER THE HOMELESS":
READ: Read the below reflection on why the Catholic Church respond to the issue of Homelessness.
“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Mt 8:20). Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, was born in a borrowed manger, had no fixed address once he began his public ministry, and was buried in another man’s grave. It is quite an irony: He who made the universe became a homeless person.
The news makes us aware of the plight of millions of refugees driven from their homes by war, but homelessness is literally also right on our doorstep. Because the problem is perennial, there is a danger that, like the rich man in the parable, we no longer see the Lazarus we practically have to step over.
This corporal work of mercy forces us to open our eyes to the misery of those who, for a variety of reasons, have no place they can call home. We do not allow dogs or cats to stray on our streets, but we become numb to the fate of our own brothers and sisters. Faith communities, including the Catholic Church, make efforts to provide shelter for the homeless. These initiatives deserve our financial support and, if possible, our volunteer efforts. Along with providing a temporary roof over their heads, we need to help those homeless who are able to do so to get back on their feet and accompany them on the difficult path that leads to the dignity of being able to afford a place to stay. This can involve helping with job skills or offering employment. Whenever possible, we should give a hand up as well as a handout. We should also encourage efforts to provide for affordable housing in the Bay Area, one of the priciest real estate markets in our country.
Even as we grapple as a society and Church with the overarching challenge of homelessness, there still are those poor individuals we encounter every day who, like the Son of Man, have nowhere to lay their head. Some of them suffer from serious mental illness and are beyond the help of any but those with professional training. But a kind word, and some spare change, can brighten their day. As with the other works of mercy, sheltering the homeless requires discernment and the stewardship of our resources. Yet when in doubt, it is better to err on the side of charity. The patron of parish priests, St. John Vianney, was told that a beggar to whom he gave frequent assistance was in fact not poor at all; he answered, “You never lose when you give to God.”
This work of mercy also invites to ask ourselves how hospitable we are. Do we make of our home a place where guests feel welcome and cherished? Do we create an environment where those who are not literally homeless but feel adrift and isolated find a welcome? The Letter to the Hebrews urges us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2). Sometimes it is easier to imagine that the stranger might be an angel than it is to see that someone in our own family or among acquaintances is one.
In short, this work of mercy can be summed up in the direct words of the Rule of St. Benedict: “Let all guests be received like Christ.”
Write a paragraph in your workbook that summarises what came into your mind when you were reading/listening to the above reflection, including any key words, thoughts, images etc. Are you judgmental of homeless people? Do you display a Christian attitude towards them? Do you think you would respond as the Church responds? Why/Why not?