Catholic Social Teaching Preferential Option for the Poor

Preferential option for the poor In this session we will take a closer look at the principle “preferential option for the poor”. This arguably is the most challenging and difficult principle to implement.

Background The phrase “preferential option for the poor” was first used in 1968 by the superior general of the Jesuits, Father Pedro Arrupe, in a letter to his order. Later it was used by the Bishops of South America in response to the plight of the poor on their continent. Drawing on the work of liberation theologians they recognised that throughout the Bible, God is seen as giving preference to the poor and the marginalised. Jesus is drawn to the poor, the outcast and the sinner and Matthew’s Gospel highlights this in the verse “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” Saint John Paul II adopted the term in the social encyclical Centesimus Annus. (100 anniversary of the first social encyclical) Pope Benedict XVI understood Catholic social teaching’s view of the poor to include all those who are marginalised in society: widows, children, people with disabilities, and victims of oppression, among others.

The Church's love for the poor is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, by the poverty of Jesus and by his attention to the poor. This love concerns material poverty and also the numerous forms of cultural and religious poverty [389]. The Church, “since her origin and in spite of the failing of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defence and liberation through numerous works of charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere.” 1 People who are poor and vulnerable have a special place in Catholic teaching: this is what is meant by the “preferential option for the poor”. Scripture tells us we will be judged by our response to the “least of these”, in which we see the suffering face of Christ himself. Humanity is one family despite differences of nationality or race. The poor are not a burden; they are our brothers and sisters. 2 In Australia, particular individuals and groups still endure great poverty and inequality. The challenge to us is to see the face of the poor and oppressed in our society and to stand with them giving voice to their plight and working for change.3

Gospel reflection Consider the following passage from Luke’s Gospel 4:18-194 as a foundational guide to understanding the preferential option for the poor. “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, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

Ethical dilemma Ms. Jones has invited “T’s” Mum in for a conversation. In fact, she has written in “T’s” diary numerous requests to meet her and only lately did his Mum come for the discussion with the teacher. ”T’s” mum was fairly aggressive when Ms. Jones spoke about his behaviour. Maggie accused Ms. Jones of picking on “T”. In fact she said the school has been “picking on my kid since he came here, just like the other school”. Ms. Jones has tried everything she knows but is at a loss. Some parents are supportive but they don’t know what to do. Some are angry and scared and have said “T” should not be in the school and that the Principal should get rid of him. In discussions with the Principal some parents suggested if it would be better if “T” went to another school. The Principal said she would not be asking “T” to leave. However, now some parents have complained to board members.

Doing theology In light of this gospel passage, consider the ethical dilemma faced by the school principal in the scenario presented. See What is the main issue in this dilemma? Who is suffering? What is the cause of this situation? Have you all the information required? Judge What is your immediate reaction to this situation? How does your belief system/faith/Luke’s Gospel reading inform your response? How might this differ from you immediate reaction? Act In what ways might the school board support the principal?

References Bishops of England and Wales, The Common Good, 1996 Luke 4:18-19 (The New American Bible Revised Edition)