Land of Hope and Dreams?

Rock great Bruce Springsteen brought out a new album, "Wrecking Ball," the other day.  Like so much of his past work, the songs focused on the down-and-outers, the jack-of-all-trades desiring work, the families hurt by fat greedy bankers, the broken-hearted looking for a "land of hope and dreams."  Critics have not been kind to "the Boss."  They've made fun of the seeming insincerity of a rich musician (estimated net worth:  $200 million) showing concern for the victims of the Great Recession.

But Bruce knows his America.  And New Castle, Pennsylvania (though I doubt he's ever been to town).  I saw the anxieties and fears, depression and concerns of his new album in the faces of every neighbor who came to the St. Vitus food pantry on Saturday, March 10.  Over 600 families waited patiently in line around the corner of St. Vitus School before registering in the lobby.   Two dozen dedicated volunteers organized two lines of food distribution in Fabbri Hall (our gymnasium).  A minister began the food distribution with prayer--then got in the line himself.  Our food pantry gave away canned vegetables, fresh pears and cabbages, frozen meat, breakfast cereal and day-old pastries.  Teens helped the young families and seniors load their heavy packages into their aging vehicles.  The sunny day lifted spirits as people gratefully received this food supplement.

It is commendable that St. Vitus Parish sponsors and supports this once-a-month food pantry, now four years old.  It receives generous food donations from the local Wal-Mart, Giant Eagle and Aldi's, and the invaluable assistance of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.  It is the down-to-earth application of the corporal work of mercy, "feed the hungry."  That Saturday I thanked every food pantry volunteer, and chief organizer Denise Bryson, in person.  I am also most grateful for the local businesses which donated food.  Our food pantry, as well as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, are among the best expressions of what it means to be a Catholic Christian, reaching out in the name of Jesus to the least, lost and last.

Yet it shouldn't be.  In the wealthiest country on earth, why are people hungry?  Why do we need such food pantries?

According to a recent series in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 12.2% of western Pennsylvania residents live below the poverty line, which is currently defined by the federal government as income of $22,350 for a family of four or $10,890 for one person.  The national poverty rate is actually higher, 15.1%.  Nevertheless, Pittsburgh's level grew by 1.4 percent in the last ten years.  In the last two years, for example, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank served more than 22 million pounds of food to 384 food pantries like ours.  (Read more disturbing facts about local hunger at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org .)

Where do these uncomfortable facts lead us?  On the one hand, we Catholics must continue to provide charitable assistance.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church points to the Letter of James to urge carrying out the works of mercy.  "Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity; it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.  [As the Lord said] 'He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food must do likewise.' "  (Luke 3:11)

If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?  (James 2:15-16)

The Catechism goes on to quote from another document, ironically enough on liberation theology:

"In its various forms--material deprivation, unjust oppression, physical and psychological illness and death--human misery is the obvious sign of the inherited condition of fraility and need for salvation in which man finds himself as a consequence of original sin.  This misery elicited the compassion of Christ the Savior, who willingly took it upon himself and identified himself with the least of his bretheren. Hence, those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church which, since her origin and in spite of the failings of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense, and liberation through numerous works of charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere."  (CCC ## 2447-8)

Recognizing individuals and churches can only do so much, we must also press elected officials to provide job training for low-skilled workers, child care for working mothers, and public policy which encourages "a hand up" and not just "a hand out."  The collection taken up for the national Catholic Campaign for Human Development in our diocese this past weekend is an excellent example of low-income folks working to better themselves by organizing and acting for justice. 

The recently-reissued document from the bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, adds, "Welfare policy should reduce poverty and dependency, strengthen family life, and help families leave poverty through work, training and assistance with child care, health care, housing and transportation.  It should also provide a safety net for those who cannot work.  Improving the Earned Income Tax Credit and child tax credits, available as refunds to families in greatest need, will help life low-income families out of poverty." (#77)

The folks in line at our food pantry are our sisters and brothers and neighbors.  They need our help.