A New Era

With the inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States this week, the country enters a new era. We do not know what the future holds, but we do know the new administration will be different from the previous one. We hope the tumultuous events of the past few weeks will come to an end, and we will enter a time of domestic peace and national unity. The tasks that lie ahead are enormous- primary among them contending with a pandemic that sees no end in sight and has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands. Regardless of our political persuasion or how we voted in the recent election, as Vincentians we are always advocates for the poor. Much of our work is direct service, responding to the needs of people at our doorstep. But there is also a dimension of the Vincentian calling that looks to the underlying factors that create poverty and what can be done to alleviate poverty on a systemic level. At 10% the U.S, has the second highest poverty rate of any economically developed country. The pandemic no doubt will drive that number higher. Imagine if every decision of lawmakers began with the question: how will this affect the poor? Imagine if every decision by church leaders began with the question: how will this affect the poor? The very presence of a Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is a visible reminder of the need to raise those questions time and again. Not everyone is inclined to participate in a demonstration or apply pressure on a local legislative representative, but every step taken to alleviate poverty as simple as handing out a bag of groceries sends a message, a reality check on those in power. Early indications suggest that the new administration is preparing to launch a new battle in the war on poverty. The on-going pandemic calls for a high level of fortitude and perseverance. Conferences might be meeting virtually but others may not. Concern about getting the COVID vaccine is on the minds of many, especially seniors. The political turmoil we have witnessed can also weigh us down. This is precisely the time when we depend upon our spiritual reserves. Just like the battery in our electronic devices, our inner spirit needs to be recharged on a regular basis. That happens through daily prayer and reception of the Eucharist. At a time like this it is indispensable. The poor that come to us for help rely upon our willingness to be there for them despite the obstacles we encounter, and we have pledged to do that. Fr. Jerry Ringenback
Diocesan Spiritual Advisor