Session 5: Where signs of hope are needed today, part 3, and broader appeals for hope

Some of the greatest divisions in the world seem to revolve around economics and religion.  In the paragraphs of Spes Non Confundit that we will explore in this session, Pope Francis first voices God’s special concern for the poor.  He then offers proposals for responding to the divide between wealthy and poorer nations.  Finally, he highlights the Church’s long history of synodality as part of a call for greater unity among God’s people in the Church.

Our study guide questions will help us explore how we can live lives that show greater solidarity with the poor, how we might appeal to our leaders to place a greater priority on meeting the needs of the poor and providing justice for all, and how we can promote unity in the Church.  Rather than shaking our heads in despair at the challenges around us, we are called to find ways to work for justice and unity in our world and in our Church.  Our loving God stands on the side of responsive hope rather than idle despair.

Read paragraphs 15-17 in preparation for this session.

Paragraph 15 (the poor) 🔗

In paragraph 15, Pope Francis gives an impassioned plea on behalf of the poor.  What are some of the ways he sees them being neglected and impoverished?

Pope Francis says that when we see “the constant tide of new forms of impoverishment, we can easily grow inured and resigned” (par. 15).  What does he mean?  Why do we become “inured or resigned”?

How does poverty drain people of hope?

How can you live a life that is more fully identified with the poor as an act of solidarity?

Read 1 John 3:16-17

According to 1 John 3:16, who is our example for how we should treat others, and what do you think it calls you to do as a follower of Christ?

What does John tell us in 1 John 3:17?

What are some concrete things you could do, on your own or with others, to respond to some of the poverty around you?

If Christians engaged in more concerted efforts to help the poor, it naturally would lift the hopes of the poor.  How might it also give greater hope to you or others who are doing the helping?

Now return to what Pope Francis wrote in paragraph 15.  Why does he say that it is “scandalous” that “the poor continue to be the majority of the planet’s population” (par. 15)?

Pope Francis is not only concerned with our individual responses to the poor; he is also concerned about the actions of leaders in the international economy.  Why does the world need more than just our individual responses?

In what ways might it be said that, for world economic leaders, the problems of the world’s poor “are brought up as an afterthought” (par. 15)?

How might political and economic leaders do a better job of addressing poverty?

Suggested Activities: 

• Explore the work of Catholic Relief Services, which provides developmental assistance to communities in need all over the world and provides opportunities for church members to advocate for governmental action to address poverty around the world.

• Consider a more frugal and earth-sustaining lifestyle.  Distinguish between needs, wants, and luxuries when you are considering purchases.  If you save money this way, consider giving some of it to organizations that serve the poor.

(Section 4) Appeals for hope

In this section, Pope Francis discusses some broader ways of thinking about the issues we face.

Paragraph 16 (the goods of the earth, debt, and economic priorities) 🔗

Pope Francis says that the goods of the earth are for everyone, not for a privileged few.  This runs contrary to the prevailing view that whatever you own is yours – period, end of story.  In paragraph 16, Pope Francis make a specific request of the rich.  What does he ask them to do?

In the same paragraph, Pope Francis makes a specific request of governments.  What does he ask them to do with the money spent on weapons?

What do you think about Pope Francis’s requests?

Pope Francis is raising questions about the priorities of those who have the greatest impact on how the world’s resources are used.  Let’s look at this question of priorities on a personal level and on a societal level.

Read Matthew 25:41-42 and 25:45

What does Jesus say about our failure to provide food and water to those who need it?

There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, but the food is not distributed equitably enough to meet all people’s basic needs.  What does this say about our priorities?

What changes is Pope Francis asking us to make in our priorities, and what would your response be?

What are one or two things you could do – either directly or as an advocate appealing to people in power – to try to reduce poverty and increase access to food and water?

What could people in power do to increase access to food and water?

Suggested Activity: 

• Explore the work of Bread for the World, a Christian organization that is the leading anti-hunger voice in the halls of Congress.  This group helps church members and other people of good will become advocates for action as it calls on our leaders to take the necessary steps to end malnutrition and hunger in our nation and our world.

Read Leviticus 25:13-17,23-24

The Law of Moses prescribed that every 50th year (the jubilee year) all land would be returned to its original owner, so that families would not be indebted forever.

Pope Francis quotes from Leviticus 25:23, where the Lord tells the Israelites that they are tenants on the land, not permanent owners, because the land belongs to God.  If we viewed land this way in our society, how might that lead to changes in the situation of the poor?

We might not be able to implement the full vision of Leviticus 25:23, but what might we do to move closer to a society where people are not mired in debt?

In the second part of paragraph 16, Pope Francis raises the issue of debt relief for countries that cannot repay their loans.  Debt relief can help address the lingering effects of past injustices related to colonization.  Pope Francis notes that economic disparities can be exacerbated by the disproportionate use of the earth’s natural resources by wealthy countries.  Would you be willing to support debt relief programs that try to help indebted countries get a fresh start?  Why or why not?

What might you do to learn more about the history of colonial practices that impoverished so many nations in Africa, South America, and South Asia and the economic imbalances that still affect them?

Suggested Activity: 

• Do some research to learn more about the history of colonization, the ways wealthy and powerful nations have extracted wealth from poorer and weaker nations, and how the power imbalances of the past continue to hold back the development of the nations of the global South today.  Share what you learn with a friend or neighbor.

Paragraph 17 (synodality) 🔗

In paragraph 17, Pope Francis notes that 2025 is the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, where bishops approved the bulk of the Nicene Creed that we proclaim at Mass every Sunday.  The Pope does not mention this merely to remind us of Church history and doctrine, but to illustrate the value and importance of church synods in the life of the Church. Synodality is the idea that we must include all of the People of God as we journey together and discern what God is doing and wants to do in our Church.  

In paragraph 17, Pope Francis discusses the concept of synodality, which goes back to the early days of the Church.  Why does Pope Francis say that synodality is important?

How might a synodal approach to Church life help build unity?

At the end of the third part of paragraph 17, Pope Francis quotes Jesus’s prayer for unity, which appears in John 17:21.  What does Jesus’s call for unity say to us, and how should we respond?

According to Jesus’s prayer, how can unity in the Church have an effect that goes beyond the Church itself?

How can we support the Church’s efforts to express unity through synodality?

Suggested Activity: 

• Reach out to someone in your parish who thinks differently than you on issues related to the Church or politics.  Invite them to get together with you for coffee so that you can listen to their perspective.  Let the conversation proceed without any intention to convince the other person – just listen and learn.  The very act of listening is part of what synodality is about.  It helps build unity, even when we don’t agree.

Closing question: In these paragraphs, Pope Francis is trying to build a unity of purpose that transcends economic differences, reaches out across national boundaries, and draws together the entire Church.  What needs to change in people’s hearts in order for this unity of purpose to be fostered?  What needs to change in your heart to help you more fully embrace this unity of purpose?