Never give up

Never give up

MICHAEL's fight for economic justice for all is a long-term battle, full of obstacles.  Even as we are tackling immense forces, we must never become discouraged nor give up. As St. Pope John Paul II wrote in his 1987 encyclical,  Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (n. 30),: "Anyone wishing to renounce the difficult yet noble task of improving the lot of man in his totality, and of all people, with the excuse that the struggle is difficult and that constant effort is required, or simply because of the experience of defeat and the need to begin again, that person would be betraying the Will of God the Creator."

Abbé Pierre (1912-2007), from France, was known for his commitment to justice.  Born Henri Grouès, he was a Catholic priest who in 1949 founded the Emmaus Movement, a charity dedicated to helping the homeless and people in difficulty. For more than 10 years, Abbé Pierre topped the list of the French people's most beloved personalities. Most memorable is a resounding appeal he made on the radio in February, 1954 to help the homeless during that harsh winter when men and women were dying due to a lack of shelter.

We often say that there are many ways to help our needy brothers and sisters. The Church exhorts us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit prisoners and the sick, etc.

Both Louis Even and Abbé Pierre's commitment to justice are inspiring examples that a single person has a great capacity to have a positive impact in the world.   While Abbé Pierre was nobly tackling the consequences of poverty, such as  homelessness caused by a lack of money, Louis Even identified the root of the problem: a financial system that creates money in the form of debt by privately-owned banks.  In turn, he presented the solution in the monetary system known as Economic Democracy.

 St. Pope Paul VI wrote in his 1967 encyclical, Populorum Progressio (n. 75): "More than anyone else, the individual who is animated by true charity labors skillfully to discover the causes of misery, to find the means to combat it, and overcome it resolutely."

For those who are tempted to be discouraged by the fight against injustice, here are some words of encouragement from Abbé Pierre:

I will continue to believe, even if everyone else loses hope.

I will continue to love, even if others spread hatred.

I will continue to build, even if others destroy.

I will continue to speak of peace, even in the midst of war.

I will continue to illuminate, even in the midst of darkness.

I will continue to sow, even if others trample on the harvest.

And I'll keep shouting, even if others are silent.

And I will draw smiles on tearful faces.

And I'll bring relief when the pain is seen.

And I will bring joy where there is only sadness.

I will invite to walk those who have decided to stop,

And I will stretch out my arms to those who feel exhausted.