By Anna Ram.~ Anna Ram holds a Bachelor’s in Theology and is an Ordained Minister in Florida State.
Each February 20, UN celebrates the World Day of Social Justice—a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of equity, inclusion, and the inherent dignity of every individual. https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day
Today, I focus on this celebration as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to address the injustices that persist in our society, particularly the plight of the poor who always has been in God’s heart. Join me to take a moment to read, learn and to reflect on the pressing issues of social injustice and wealth disparity that always have existed but in 2025, are in the rising and affects countless lives around the world.
What Is Social Justice? Let’s start for getting this concept right. Social justice is a broad concept rooted in philosophical and ethical principles, religion and cultural traditions. Social justice advocates for the fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, making emphasis on the importance of addressing inequalities and injustices that affect marginalized and disadvantaged groups.
What Social Justice Pursuits? Social justice seeks to create a society where individuals have equal rights and access to opportunities, regardless of their background, including factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and disability. This includes you and me.
Does UN Have Reached Its Goal?
No. But on this day, we can also celebrate progress made toward the United Nations’ Goal 10, which aims to reduce inequality. We have witnessed positive changes, such as increased access to education and improved labor rights, but there is still much work to be done, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, (economic inflation, shift in world order, etc.) Reaching this goal will require a collective effort of all societies, at personal levels, too.
Understanding What Poverty is and Who is the Poor
Poverty is a social and undeniable reality. Wealth disparity is not a merely statistic gap; it represents real families struggling to make ends meet, single and married parents balancing multiple jobs, and communities facing systemic barriers.
Although, the term “poor” refers to those who lack sufficient resources to meet their basic needs, poverty is not merely a lack of financial resources; it encompasses a range of social, economic, and political factors that contribute to disadvantages and the marginalization of individuals and communities. When we discuss poverty, we must acknowledge a diverse group that includes low-income families, racial and ethnic minorities, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and refugees.
What Are The Causes Of Poverty?
The causes of poverty are multifaceted, encompassing lack of education, unemployment, lack of opportunities, low wages, and systemic inequality. While some may argue that poverty stems from personal failings, such as laziness or dependency on government assistance, this perspective often overlooks the complex realities many individuals face. It is crucial to recognize that systemic barriers and historical injustices play significant roles in perpetuating poverty.
It is a Spiritual Matter. What the Poor Meant to Jesus?
As we reflect on these issues, we can draw inspiration from the words of Jesus: “The poor will always be among you.” Matthew (26:11) and the Gospel of Mark (14:7). In these passages, Jesus is responding to a situation where a woman anoints him with expensive perfume, and some of his disciples criticize her for not selling the perfume and giving the money to the poor. Jesus defends the woman, saying, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” This statement has many “Calls to Action.”
- Prioritizes significance of that spiritual moment through this woman’s act of worship
- Reminder and Recognition of caring for the poor
- Remind us that there will always be social injustice until he reigns with his perfect justice. This starts at the heart of his children, when we serve as entities of change. (God’s kingdom and justice is… another topic in itself.)
These calls to action are linked together with purpose in Jesus statement. Worship and caring for the poor (including widows and orphans) is a recurrent theme throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament accounts, neglecting this duty, it brought judgement upon nations.
Addressing wealth disparity requires us to examine not only systemic issues but also our personal actions. Discrimination, whether based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status, can perpetuate feelings of isolation and marginalization. Microaggressions and stereotypes also contribute to unfair treatment hindering our understanding of the barriers others face.
We Must Ask Ourselves These Questions:
Do We Favor The Wealthy Over The Poor?
“El Antievangelio Del Favoritismo” ~Spanish Short Sermon, by Pastor Andres Perez Jr. ~ Iglesia La Parroquia~ Valencia, Spain, Feb. 2025. English subtitles: (click settings wheel- autotranslate- English or your language.) Used with author’s permission.
Are We Moved By Fear, Antipathy, Or Aversion? IF we are…then we are Xenophobic. Xenophobia means: Fear of foreigners or strangers. A strong antipathy or aversion to strangers or foreigners.
Do We Reject The Poor? IF we do… then we have Aporophobia, a termed coined by Adela Cortina Orts in her book: “ Aporophobia: Fear of the Poor. When we talk about aporophobia, we talk about a rejection to the poor. We may have heard the saying: “The poor bothers even his/her own family.”
In Proverbs 19:7, also says (New King James Version): “All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.”
LETS PRAY: A Prayer For Social Justice And For The Poor
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with humble hearts. Forgive our sin against the vulnerable and set us free from our own limitations.
Lord, we pray for those who are suffering from poverty. May they find hope and support in their times of need and that they might prosper in all ways.
We ask for wisdom and strength for our leaders and policymakers. Guide them to create and implement policies that promote equity and justice for all.
Lord, we also pray for our communities. Help us to foster an environment of understanding and support, where everyone is valued and included.
As we reflect on the words of Jesus, “The poor will always be among you,” may we remember our responsibility to care for one another.
Finally, we pray for Your guidance in our own lives. Help us to recognize the small acts of kindness we can offer each day and empower us to make a difference in the lives of others.
In Your Holy Name, We Pray. Amen.
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