In his final Saturday Jubilee Audience of the Holy Year, Pope Leo invited the faithful to listen to “the cry of the poor,” lamenting the injustice of a world in which resources are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few. There are many concrete actions that the faithful can take to care for the poor, whether by donating time, money or resources to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, by volunteering for a food pantry or clothing drive at your parish, or by helping one of the many organizations within the diocese that assist young mothers in need and their families.
In that same address, Pope Leo urged people to hear “the cry of the earth.” “Our task,” he said, “is to generate, not to steal.” This is the ideal time to carefully assess how things that are used everyday – from beauty products and food to energy and transportation – reflect that core value. Making simple changes can have a tremendous impact over the course of a year. Also, don’t neglect to get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.