Finding Jesus beyond the crib: A Lenten journey with the least of these
by John Huynh | February 15, 2024
by John Huynh
The preferential option for the poor and vulnerable is one of seven Catholic Social Teaching themes that can offer a profound lens through which to view our Lenten practices.
This theme challenges us to recognize Christ’s presence among the most marginalized and suffering in our society, calling us to transform almsgiving into a tangible expression of fraternal charity.
St. Matthew’s Gospel is clear, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25:40).
Here, Christ identifies himself with the poor and vulnerable, making explicit that in serving them, we serve Christ himself. Archbishop Oscar Romero, a voice for the voiceless in El Salvador, reminds us of Jesus’ lesson, “We must not seek the child Jesus in the pretty figures of our Christmas cribs. We must seek him among the undernourished children who have gone to bed tonight with nothing to eat, among the poor newsboys who will sleep covered with newspapers in doorways.”
The archbishop’s words powerfully remind us that our faith should not be neatly compartmentalized into comfortable, internalized segments.
Instead, it is a call to action: a tangible, lived response to Jesus’ summons to seek and serve him in the most challenging places. Lent calls us to pray, fast, and give alms. Let us contemplate how we can employ these practices to make real the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.
The most apparent of the three, almsgiving, provides a direct avenue to put our faith into action.
Through our giving, we acknowledge our shared humanity in the image of God and the inherent dignity of every person, especially those in dire need.
If you are looking for ideas to pursue a grace-filled and fruitful Lenten almsgiving, consider the following:
- Contact your parish and ask for available opportunities. Some parishes take on programs like:CRS Rice Bowl, Mary’s Meals, Mary’s Helping Hands, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Project Rachel, and Walking with Moms In Need.
- Find a local soup kitchen or food pantry and give your time, treasure, and/or talent.
- Volunteer at any one of these diocesan Catholic Charities programs: Emergency Family Shelter, Food Pantry, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, and Refugee Services. More information can be found at catholiccharitiesdm.org
Let this Lent be a time when we truly seek and serve Christ in every person, especially the least among us, and thereby deliver the Gospel to a world starving for good news!
John Huynh is the Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines. He can be reached at jhuynh@dmdiocese.org.