| October 20, 2008 | Volume 83, Number 26 | |
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People are hurtingLast week a woman at a Richmond parish was frantic. Her disabled husband had just learned that he had cancer and would require new medical care. She had lost her job and the only income the couple had was the husband’s disability check which was used to pay their rent. Very little was left over for other necessities like food, utilities and medicines. Their water had just been terminated because they had not paid their bills. “Get a job” some might suggest. Well, the woman had been looking for weeks and applied for jobs that did not come through. “If I could just get a job, we’d be better able to cope,” she said tearfully. Few who read The Catholic Virginian are likely in such dire straits. Some who are in this situation do not want their children or neighbors to know. But people are losing their homes and unable to pay for medicines they need. Commonwealth Catholic Charities in Richmond and Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia say that their food pantries have lines each weekday morning before the pantry even opens. Within half an hour the supplies are gone. This is a new situation, and it highlights the desperate straits our neighbors are facing. Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo urges Catholics who need help to first go to their parish. Some have a fund to provide direct assistance. They can give referrals to local agencies that provide help with utilities, clothes, medical care or shelter if they are homeless. People can dial 211 on the phone which connects them to a trained professional who will hear their story and suggest areas to which they can turn. The referrals are confidential. Times are hard. Even those who are now financially secure may lose income if people stop patronizing local businesses like restaurants and shops, or stop using services they provide. When business drops off, employers are forced to lay off employees. Then these workers are strapped and unable to pay bills and have to cut back. It’s a downward spiral and it affects all of us. Let’s not forget there is power in prayer. God is listening and knows our needs. Unfortunately, we live in a society where many expect instant gratification. When it doesn’t happen, some are disheartened. Others get angry. The faithful person knows that not all prayers get answered in our time frame. Yet they remain faithful and continue to pray. In doing so, they are accepting one of God’s greatest gifts — the gift of faith. The economic mess we’re in will eventually end. Things will get better. In the present moment all of us need to pray for ourselves and others. We must also learn to do with less so we can help those who really need our help. In practicing charity we are also living our faith.
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