| Once
again, for the umpteenth time, the Church makes clear that
our Christian social work is founded on Christ and includes
the all-important aspect of evangelization, that is, proclaiming
Christ, not just by deed but by word. Social work, such as
building houses and communities for the poor, that deliberately
omits or marginalizes Christ and prayer is not the model of
the Church. It is not true charity when we look to the material
needs of the poor without looking to their even more important
spiritual needs. Total human liberation means just that, total.
It is not just freedom from hunger or lack of shelter, but
freedom from the dominion of the evil one, experiencing the
salvation that Jesus brought.
Cardinal
Sarah: Charity must be linked to evangelization
July
15, 2011
Writing
for L’Osservatore Romano on the occasion of the fortieth
anniversary of the founding of the Pontifical Council Cor
Unum, Cardinal Robert Sarah emphasized the link between
evangelization and charity.
The
cardinal, who has led the pontifical council since 2010, stated
that “it is significant that Paul VI had already anticipated
some of the misunderstandings which might threaten a correct
understanding of charity in the Church and which unfortunately
were verified: the witness of charity finds its measure in
Christ; the search for justice does not exhaust the duty of
charity; preaching of the Gospel, which is not proselytism,
is an integral part of charitable activity.”
“On
November 28, 1978, just a few months after his election, John
Paul II met the dicastery for the first time,” the Guinea-born
prelate added. “It is significant that at that encounter
he wanted to reiterate the link between the Gospel and charity:
‘We must also take care to set advancement carefully
in the context of evangelization, which is the fullness of
human advancement, since it proclaims and offers man's full
salvation.’”
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"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
(Phil 1:21)
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