The fourth theme of Catholic social teaching is the “Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.” Sometimes it is also referred to as the “Preferential Option for the Poor.” The former has become a more common way of speaking about this theme simply because it better alludes to what is at its heart — those who are in need and those who are at risk. 

 

Unfortunately, we’re probably immediately distracted by the typical connotations of the word “poor” and therefore can easily mistake what this theme is about. When we hear the word “poor” we almost immediately think in terms of economics — how much money someone does or doesn’t have, where they live or what they own. Certainly, economics can be one measure of a person’s poverty. 

 

But this theme is concerned with all of those who, because of their circumstances, are at greater risk — especially risk of marginalization or exploitation. 

 

Who are the poor? Well, they might include those who are ill or who have serious medical conditions, or those with a mental illness. 

 

It could be those whom society has forgotten or  considers as unimportant or those without access to the basic benefits others have. 

 

It might be those who don’t speak the predominant language or those who experience racism, unjust discrimination or other dehumanizing behavior. 

 

It could be those who have suffered great loss or tragedy, or the ones in the midst of great personal struggle or trial. And of course, the poor can be those who lack the ability to provide material needs for themselves or their families. 

 

Upholding human dignity begins with a recognition that all people — regardless of any other consideration — are endowed with the same dignity that we’ve been endowed with. Therefore, we must be concerned that others are being treated in a way befitting their dignity — especially those who are most at risk for having their dignity not recognized. 

 

All Christians have a responsibility to be concerned with this principle simply because of who they say they believe in: Jesus. Jesus’ concern for the poor (and remember, not just the economically disadvantaged) is evident throughout His ministry. 

 

In fact, it should be obvious even before the first day of His ministry. He came into this world as one who was poor — so poor that He was born in the humblest of conditions. He had little materially speaking and even as a child knew what it was like to live as a refugee. 

 

And when He began His ministry, what are some of His first words? He quotes Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free ... .” 

 

Throughout His teaching we see this concern expressed again and again. In fact, it is so important that He speaks about how His followers will be judged one day based on their treatment of the poor (see Matthew 25).

 

For Jesus, bringing “glad tidings to the poor” was not just a nice quote from scripture He used; it animated His mission. As Christians, this teaches each of us several things: 

 

1. If this was Jesus’ concern it must also be mine. 

 

2. If Jesus came for the poor, and He’s my savior, it reminds me that I am also poor in some way. 

 

3. How the poor are faring is an indication of how well Jesus’ mission is being continued in the world.

 

Obviously, there is much more to say about this part of Catholic social teaching and how it is to be enacted. While the roles that individual Christians are called upon to play may vary, there is no variance in the obligation to play a role. 

 

Examining some of the particulars of this theme will be a topic for the next column.