Pope hails the poor, homeless as 'unknown saints'

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I do not understand this theological thinking. Being poor, oppressed, homeless, etc in and of itself does does make the individual a saint. What is needed is virtue, sinlessness and other trademarks of sainthood.
 
RosslynV said:
I do not understand this theological thinking. Being poor, oppressed, homeless, etc in and of itself does does make the individual a saint. What is needed is virtue, sinlessness and other trademarks of sainthood.
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Living such a lifestyle does not innately make one a saint, yes, but the lifestyle itself merits a higher chance of helping one to cultivate the virtues of sainthood.

A life of poverty cannot also be a life of materialism, which is a life of sin.
 
Faxero said:
Living such a lifestyle does not innately make one a saint, yes, but the lifestyle itself merits a higher chance of helping one to cultivate the virtues of sainthood.

A life of poverty cannot also be a life of materialism, which is a life of sin.
Click to expand...
I agree that tough times tend to bring many people closer to God. My continuing battle with cancer has taught me humility and my need for God. But sometimes hardship can turn people away from God, example the communist revolutions of the 20th century. Being poor does not protect one from being envious and angry. In the end it is a close relationship with Christ which leads people to sainthood, and that can be accomplished in any material state. That at least is what I have been taught and have found to be true.🤷
 
RosslynV said:
I do not understand this theological thinking. Being poor, oppressed, homeless, etc in and of itself does not make the individual a saint. What is needed is virtue, sinlessness and other trademarks of sainthood.
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I understand, I believe it all depends on how we view/endure suffering as to whether it’s profitable or detrimental to our souls, however I don’t believe Pope Francis was thinking of the ones who suffering makes worse, but rather just those who suffering makes better.

Like the two criminals crucified with Jesus, one became a saint and the other was the worse for it. So no doubt, I believe there are probably some unknown saints amongst the homeless and poor, just like the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh
 
Unknown saints are saints in Heaven we don’t know about. Saints, are noted, after death.
I wonder if Pope Francis meant ‘saints’ and used a poor metaphor.
 
A few week ago here in Los Angeles I saw a shirtless homeless man struggling to push a grossly overflowing shopping cart across the street in 105 degree temperature. Like a photograph, that image has stuck in my mind. Most homeless people seem so docile and accepting of their crosses. I can’t imagine anyone in that situation not being agitated, depressed and anxiety ridden.

I feel obligated to help, but how? I make a small monthly donation ($100) based on my very limited disability income to Catholic Relief Services, but that’s just a drop in the bucket.

I also notice beggars outside of a Catholic Church that I frequent, and for the life of me, I do not understand why they do not come in. They appear so Christ-like in so many ways, but they just don’t seem to have the devotion to faith; they seem spiritually depressed.

Looking at the world around me, there appears to be so much unnecessary pain and suffering. I view the following video, The Way of the Cross, by Saint Francis of Assisi every day and it acts as a constant reminder to me of the miserable and pitiful state of the human condition:

youtube.com/watch?v=yLlKkWw_wjI

LOVE! ❤️
 
RosslynV said:
I do not understand this theological thinking. Being poor, oppressed, homeless, etc in and of itself does does make the individual a saint. What is needed is virtue, sinlessness and other trademarks of sainthood.
Click to expand...
They may very well be doing their Purgatory here on earth. It’s hurtful to think that their struggle and hardship is not being of some spiritual benefit to them (not that we should sit back and ignore their state in this life).

LOVE! ❤️
 
RosslynV said:
I do not understand this theological thinking. Being poor, oppressed, homeless, etc in and of itself does does make the individual a saint. What is needed is virtue, sinlessness and other trademarks of sainthood.
Click to expand...
Did you read his whole homily and put his words in context?I’m sure if you did, you would understand what he is saying.Here is a link: news.va/en/news/pope-francis-homily-at-verano-cemetry
Here is a little extract from his homily which I hope will help clarify things:
Among these are also those who are persecuted for their faith, those “robed in white” in the passage from Revelation: “‘They are the ones who come from great distress, and their robes are made white by the blood of the Lamb.’” “And today, without exaggeration, today on the Feast of All Saints I would like us to think of all these, the unknown saints. Sinners like us, worse off than us, destroyed. Of this multitude of people who are in great distress: most of the world is in distress. And the Lord sanctifies this people, sinners like us, but He sanctifies these people in distress”.
Have a nice day.
 
RosslynV said:
I do not understand this theological thinking. Being poor, oppressed, homeless, etc in and of itself does does make the individual a saint. What is needed is virtue, sinlessness and other trademarks of sainthood.
Click to expand...
I get your point and I agree with your list. But the list should also include sacrifice, which the poor and the homeless have in spades. I work with the indigent. Many are homeless. It’s amazing how much love and support these people give to each other. I’ve seen poor people sacrifice the most basic necessities because others needed them more. When was the last time I told my family, “We have room on our family room floor for 6 sleeping bags. 2 more on the couches. Let’s take in our poor neighbors and share our food and home.” Never. Yet I visited a town home that housed three families, their 8 children and single unrelated male. I’m sure somewhere anthropologists have studied the dynamics of homeless encampments and poor neighborhoods. I’ve personally seen a lot of virtue, respect, love and kindness in poor people. More than I can say for me and many of my fellow middle and upper class pew dwellers. Mother Teresa comes to mind. She really walked the talk.
 
WilT said:
Blessed news from Our Holy Father Francis:)

ROME (AP) — “Pope Francis has paid tribute to what he calls the “unknown saints” — those who flee war, hunger and poverty, the jobless and the homeless”.

see link below

news.yahoo.com/pope-hails-poor-homeless-unknown-saints-173750313.html
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I love our Pope. From his sermon…

****“and they live in tents, they feel the cold, without medicine, hungry … because the “god-man” has taken control of Creation, of all that good that God has done for us. But who pays for this party? They do! The young, the poor, those who are discarded. And this is not ancient history: it is happening today. ‘But Father, it is far away …’ - It’s here too! Everywhere. It is happening today. I will say more: it seems that these people, these children who are hungry, sick, do not seem to count, it’s as if they were of a different species, as if they were not even human. And this multitude is before God and begs, 'Please, salvation! Please, peace! Please bread! Please work! Please, children and grandparents! Please, young people with the dignity of being able to work! '”.

Among these are also those who are persecuted for their faith, those “robed in white” in the passage from Revelation: “‘They are the ones who come from great distress, and their robes are made white by the blood of the Lamb.’” “And today, without exaggeration, today on the Feast of All Saints I would like us to think of all these, the unknown saints. Sinners like us, worse off than us, destroyed. Of this multitude of people who are in great distress: most of the world is in distress. And the Lord sanctifies this people, sinners like us, but He sanctifies these people in distress”. ****

Amen Pope Francis.

Mark 10:21-22. Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
 
Origen52 said:
I agree that tough times tend to bring many people closer to God. My continuing battle with cancer has taught me humility and my need for God. But sometimes hardship can turn people away from God, example the communist revolutions of the 20th century. Being poor does not protect one from being envious and angry. In the end it is a close relationship with Christ which leads people to sainthood, and that can be accomplished in any material state. That at least is what I have been taught and have found to be true.🤷
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My dad, a pure bred Italian Catholic, turned from Christ when my beloved generous loving grandmother became ill and died. He never returned to the flock. My dad had health problems for many years. The last couple of years, he really suffered. He did not blame Christ for his disease, nor did he ask Christ for his help. He turned away a priest offering him last rights. I would submit that our life experiences, whatever they may be, can profoundly effect our relationship with God. Just as yours has brought you closer to God, others have opposite experiences.
 
Many posters are correct and I may add that Christ came for the Sinners and most especially loved the sick and the poor. E.g. the Parable of Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan and healings of many sick people like Peter’s mom. The reason I believe that Christ has a love for them is because they are ignored and victims of many evil things in all societies. In Christ’s time these poor individuals were outcasts and forgotten. Also we need the poor to teach us to live simply and to continue on loving God as the women who gave a little when tithing. The poor are also highly spoken of in the Old and New Testament.
 
Christ asked his Disciples to leave everything behind and follow Him. They did and are now revered by Christ’s Holy Church. We too are called to be Holy and by being poor, sick and homeless, can be the fast track to Sainthood if done correctly and lovingly.😉
 
RosslynV said:
I do not understand this theological thinking. Being poor, oppressed, homeless, etc in and of itself does does make the individual a saint. What is needed is virtue, sinlessness and other trademarks of sainthood.
Click to expand...
Rosslyn, God bless you. I do not understand it either as it departs from basic fundamentals that have always been understood by the Church and the spiritual masters through the ages on mysticism. I can only assume the word “saint” a metaphor.

I have known a few people who have lived through some very tough times and have lost everything. Even older family members who survived the great depression ended up bitter and resentful toward anyone who now has more than they. Christ said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Therefore, the rich who help the poor and live their lives for Christ are not exempt from the Kingdom, nor do the poor have an advantage over them in gaining union with Christ. A number of canonized saints came from wealthy families and voluntarily gave up their riches in order to live a life of the poor. They ***voluntarily ***stripped themselves of all material possessions and that is a far cry from someone who is poor yet angry over his circumstances and envies the goods and advantages others have.

The Church always previously taught It is purely the condition of the heart and obedience to the will of God that determines sanctity, not the amount of goods one does or doesn’t have! And I’m sure that is no different from what Pope Francis is saying now.
 
Faxero said:
Living such a lifestyle does not innately make one a saint, yes, but the lifestyle itself merits a higher chance of helping one to cultivate the virtues of sainthood.

A life of poverty cannot also be a life of materialism, which is a life of sin.
Click to expand...
👍
 
Tigg said:
Rosslyn, God bless you. I do not understand it either as it departs from basic fundamentals that have always been understood by the Church and the spiritual masters through the ages on mysticism. I can only assume the word “saint” a metaphor.

I have known a few people who have lived through some very tough times and have lost everything. Even older family members who survived the great depression ended up bitter and resentful toward anyone who now has more than they. Christ said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Therefore, the rich who help the poor and live their lives for Christ are not exempt from the Kingdom, nor do the poor have an advantage over them in gaining union with Christ. A number of canonized saints came from wealthy families and voluntarily gave up their riches in order to live a life of the poor. They ***voluntarily ***stripped themselves of all material possessions and that is a far cry from someone who is poor yet angry over his circumstances and envies the goods and advantages others have.

The Church always previously taught It is purely the condition of the heart and obedience to the will of God that determines sanctity, not the amount of goods one does or doesn’t have! And I’m sure that is no different from what Pope Francis is saying now.
Click to expand...
Here is Pope Francis’ homily at Verano Cemetery so his words can be read in context.

news.va/en/news/pope-francis-homily-at-verano-cemetry

Among these are also those who are persecuted for their faith, those “robed in white” in the passage from Revelation: “‘They are the ones who come from great distress, and their robes are made white by the blood of the Lamb.’” “And today, without exaggeration, today on the Feast of All Saints I would like us to think of all these, the unknown saints. Sinners like us, worse off than us, destroyed. Of this multitude of people who are in great distress: most of the world is in distress. And the Lord sanctifies this people, sinners like us, but He sanctifies these people in distress”…
 
I believe that Jesus is more inclined to mercy for the poor. It is hard for a rich man to get into heaven.
 
Some more wonderful info. on Pope Francis’ care and love for the poor

“Cardinal Turkson reminded the meeting that it is for these reasons that “Pope Francis continually reminds the Church to go to the peripheries of human existence and embrace the excluded, the marginalised, those who are rejected and in danger of being discarded”.

Quote from link below.

ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/regional/artikel.php?ID=334235
 
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