FOUR STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN WORKING WITH

FOUR STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN WORKING WITH THE POOR

FOUR STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH § Compassion towards the poor. § Advocacy in favor of the poor. § Humility in order to accept the fact that the poor are capable of saving themselves. § Solidarity which puts us on their level and involved in their project.

COMPASSION § The more that we are exposed to the sufferings of the poor, the more profound and durable is our compassion. § Compassion leads us to action: ordinary charity, and a simplification of our lifestyle.

ADVOCACY IN DEFENSE OF THE POOR § This step begins when we discover that poverty is a structural problem. § Either our action changes something or we won’t advance further than before. § The decision to advocate for the poor arises from our righteous anger against a system that suffocates the poor. § We feel compelled to change society.

HUMILITY § The poor must save themselves. They do not need us to do it for them. § Humility requires a decision whereby we place ourselves at the service of the poor and accept what they can teach us. § The poor know better than we what to do and how to do it. § There is always the temptation to romanticize the poor.

SOLIDARITY § The poor are human beings just like us. At times they make mistakes, are extremely proud, lack commitment and dedication. At times they are irresponsible. § Nevertheless, we ought to learn from them. § We learn from the poor when we become their friends on their level. It is by personal relations and the trust that develops that they listen to our opinions. § Solidarity means to take seriously the project of the poor. The answer is to walk together.