Who has not heard of Pope Francis’ reminder to go to the periphery. But what does it mean Entering the world of the poor? From above or below? What are the temptations that distract or paralyze us?
The Vincentian Encyclopedia presents a classic article with observations that strike home more than 10 years after publication. Here is what John Prager wrote in an article he wrote entitled To Serve the Poor Spiritually and Corporally
Entering the world of the poor
St. Vincent knew that the world of the poor, the periphery of society, is not the world of the center. He sent his followers to the margins to encounter the poor who dwell there. This implies more than a geographical change. It means listening to the concerns of the people, understanding their point of view. It is approaching the poor with respect and humility, without thinking we have the answers to all their problems.”
He immediately follow with a question about two different vantage points when we go to the periphery .
From above or from below?
If we are not poor our first reaction will always be to see reality from above. We are the products of the society and social class in which we were raised. We make judgments using the criteria of the dominant society and not the criteria of the periphery. How should we act? What do the poor need? How should the poor act? What is important and what is not? We have to learn to view things from below, from the perspective of the poor. We cannot presume that we know what the poor think or what is important to them. That only happens when we learn to listen.
In another section of the article he teases out some temptations
Fear of Consequences
Charity and justice frequently provoke conflicts. While no one looks for clashes, standing with the poor will give rise to them. Most often the conflicts are simply annoying. But, there are situations which are genuinely dangerous either to ourselves or the poor. Whether the consequences are major or minor, the temptation is to avoid whatever causes difficulties.
Discouragement
The poor have so much pain, so many problems and so many setbacks that it is easy to lose hope. Where is God present in the midst of so much suffering? What is the point of all this service? Discouragement in the face of unpleasant realities can paralyze us.
Do you find any of these reflections hitting home.
To Serve the Poor Spiritually and Corporally
John Prager, C.M. Province of USA-East is currently on mission serving as Director of the Daughters of Charity in Peru.
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