15 Reasons Serving the Poor Is a MUST for Catholics

The anniversary of the Hunger Coalition at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, got me thinking.

The Catholic faith makes no sense without service to the poor. All of its high truths and beautiful liturgies and rich customs are nothing without real love that serves.

Here are 15 reasons that serving the poor is non-negotiable for Catholics.

DO IT FOR GOD

From our first parents to today, humanity has gotten in big trouble when we fail to simply do what God wants, “on earth as it is in heaven.” So:

Serve because God has been begging us to serve the poor for millennia.

What the Lord said often in in the Old Testament Jesus said often in the New: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none and he who has food must do likewise” (Luke 3:11)

Serve because God said to give like him.

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)

Serve because it makes God happy.

The Letter to the Hebrews says: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (13:16)

DO IT FOR THEM

Maybe the poor are in difficult circumstances because they made big mistakes, sinned, or even broke the law. Maybe we’ve made big mistakes too, but just got lucky. Those who serve the poor say true happiness comes when you stop asking “how did they get this way?” and just serve …

Because they deserve it …

“Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,” said St. Paul (Philippians 2:3).

… even if they are your enemies.

“Love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great,” Jesus said (Luke 6:35).

Because you are serving Christ himself.

At the judgment Jesus will look you in the eye and say: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

DO IT TO BE A BETTER YOU

We all want to be “the best version of ourselves.” Well, the best version of yourself is the one who serves the poor:

Because the only leadership God recognizes is service.

^“The greatest among you must be your servant,” Jesus said (Matthew 23:11). After all, “Even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)

Serve to avoid a significant sin …

The Catechism 1867 tells us “There are sins that cry out to heaven” including  “the cry of the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan, injustice to the wage earner.”

… or serve to atone for past sins.

Jesus said, “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you” (Luke 11:41). St. Peter in his first letter doubled down on that, saying, “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because charity covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

DO IT TO BE MORE CATHOLIC

Markers of Catholic identity is important — like the Rosary, the sign of the cross, and the crucifix. And serving the poor:

Service marks true Catholics — from St. Francis to Mother Teresa to you.

The Catechism says that “The Church’s love for the poor … is a part of her constant tradition.” (2444)

Without service, Catholicism is hypocrisy.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world,” said St. James (1:27).

Service is the best way to evangelize.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven,” Jesus said (Matthew 5:16).

DO IT BECAUSE YOUR SOUL DEPENDS ON IT

The three theological virtues determine whether or not you have a relationship with God. So:

Serve, or your faith is dead.

“Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead,” said St. James (2:17).

Serve, or your hope is lost.

As the Catechism puts it: “God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them.” (2443)

Serve, or you do not love.

St. John asks, “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17)

So, check your parish bulletin, your diocesan website, the Catholic Charities in your area — or knock on your shut-in neighbor’s door.

Find an opportunity and get started. It is the most important thing you have to do.

By Tom Hoopes