God's Love and Our Responsibility: A Call to Action for the Poor and Hungry

Many individuals and communities often question why God, if He exists, does not directly intervene to alleviate suffering, especially in the form of hunger, torture, and poverty. Pope Francis, a figure deeply rooted in logic, provides a poignant response to this question. Through prayer and action, we, as individuals and as a community, are called to embody the love and mercy of God.

Prayer and Action as Ministry

Pope Francis once answered an inquiry about the nature of prayer with an instructive statement: “First you pray for the poor. Then you feed them. This is how prayer works.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Christian service: acknowledging our limitations, and actively engaging in acts of charity and care.

The Role of Churches and Individuals

God did not abandon those in need; rather, He entrusted the responsibility to His people, particularly to the churches. As Pope Francis noted, it is the duty of the faith community to take care of the poor and hungry. However, the reality often presents a different narrative: many churches today operate with lukewarm Christianity, a term reminiscent of the condition described in the Bible during the time of Laodicea.

Laodicea was a city characterized by lukewarm water, which was both cold and hot, lacking the refreshing qualities of water. This metaphor was used to describe a community that was neither zealous in faith nor despairing of it, but merely existing in a state of indifference. As modern Christians, we must avoid this lukewarm state by actively seeking to live according to God's Word and embracing a life of grace, mercy, and love.

The Importance of Fervent Charity and Living Out Our Faith

According to 1 Peter 4:8-9, we should foster fervent charity among ourselves. This charity is not about being perfect, as Romans 3:10-23 teaches us about human sinfulness. Instead, it is about nurturing a spirit of love that others can witness and feel. Through love and hospitality, we can cover the multitude of sins, as Paul emphasizes in Romans 3:10-18. It is not about perfection and judgment, but rather grace, mercy, and love.

The Path to Salvation and Christian Living

Romans 6:23 and Romans 5:8 remind us of the consequences of sin and God's love. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 illustrates God's profound love by the fact that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. John 1:12 highlights that Jesus gives the power to become sons of God to all who believe in His name.

To achieve this, one must confess with the mouth and believe in the heart, as Romans 10:9-10 and Romans 10:13 teach. Confessing the name of the Lord and believing in His resurrection are essential steps towards salvation. These verses underscore the importance of both faith and action in living out one's faith.