At this point in the thread, really, especially at this time of year, all I can do is pray for God to bless us with this wisdom in these matters. I have commented more than once on this forum about contemporary attitudes to the poor. Like many Catholics, I receive a Saint of the Day email daily; there are numerous references to the poor. I have never once seen it reported that saints
of any age had anything but the greatest care and respect for the poor, so it stands to reason that as our exemplars of behavior, we are to imitate them. I have also read the prophets from Ezekiel to Hosea, and while they did not mince words with regard to ill-treatment of the poor, I am at a loss to remember them chastising*** those who work dutifully***, for failing to make enough to live on.
At this time when we give thanks for what we have been blessed with, it helps to remember that not a single one of us attained what we have solely by our own efforts. We all, without exception, stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and those who crossed our paths in life. The fact that everyone may not have gotten the same quality or quantity of help, guidance or skills as we have been blessed with, is something we should all meditate on this Thanksgiving. Have a thoughtful Thanksgiving everyone! I think I’ve said all I set out to say on this thread.