Responding to the cry of the poor goes hand in hand with addressing the cry of the Earth. As creatures of this planet, humans are part of the great fellowship of life. All are valuable, and all are imbued with an innate dignity and purpose.

But it’s difficult to hear the cries of impoverished and marginalized people if we isolate ourselves in our every-day lives. Whether across town or across the globe, what goes unseen often goes unacknowledged. And that lack of awareness and even avoidance of the suffering of others can lead to a destructive indifference.

Responding to the cry of the poor goes hand in hand with addressing the cry of the Earth. As creatures of this planet, humans are part of the great fellowship of life. All are valuable, and all are imbued with an innate dignity and purpose.

But it’s difficult to hear the cries of impoverished and marginalized people if we isolate ourselves in our every-day lives. Whether across town or across the globe, what goes unseen often goes unacknowledged. And that lack of awareness and even avoidance of the suffering of others can lead to a destructive indifference.

“We walk with ... those suffering from violence and injustices of every kind. Systemic and social sins fed by greed, individualism and abuse of power threaten to destroy the human family and the planet that sustains us. These signs of the times cry out for healing and wholeness.”

—Sisters of the Holy Cross 2019 General Chapter Statement

Quest for Equitable Living

Attuning ourselves to the cries of the poor requires focus and, potentially, discomfort. It means being conscious of how our lifestyles and consumption negatively impact people around the world and bringing our willingness to change. By accepting a small degree of discomfort, we can help ease the great suffering of others.

Our efforts must also include political diligence. As the mighty race to consume and control the Earth and its gifts, communities with limited economic and political power suffer the fallout. They are forced to deal with desertification, land grabbing, depletion of natural goods, toxic air pollution, water contamination, and mountains of waste shipped from far-off lands. What’s more, poorer nations are not adequately prepared to face the harsh realities of climate change, and they are the ones impacted the most. Addressing this injustice will demand sophisticated infrastructures and systems for regulation and monitoring.

“When nature is viewed solely as a source of profit and gain, this has serious consequences for society. This … has engendered immense inequality, injustice and acts of violence against the majority of humanity … .”

—Laudato Si' 82