When I was asked to write this blog for October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I gasped. WOW! How will that happen? Didn’t Jesus say, “The Poor you will have with you always?” The poverty I see in East St. Louis alone doesn’t look as it it will end any time soon.

I have pondered this concept of no more poverty for days now. I have talked to many people who all gave me their thoughts. The following is where I’ve arrived.

The eradication of poverty is not going to be solved by fundraisers; it is not a money issue. Rather, it is a justice issue. An issue that is going to take work on the part of all of us. We read from the prophet Habbakuk, “Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write down the vision clearly…for the vision still have its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint.'”

And so, I set to writing at least part of my vision. My vision includes adequate housing for all people. especially those in East St. Louis with whom I work daily. My vision includes the children having enough food and a quality education. My vision includes mothers who can stop working that, whenever their sons leave the house, that it might be the last time they see them alive. My vision includes the people in Sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest of the poor, with all that they need to live a full life.

I think the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a very, very lofty goal. Habakkuk continues with the Lord’s words, “If it delays, wait for it, for it will surely come. It will not be late.” It is attainable.

We must remember, though, that while we wait, we work toward that end.

Written by Sister Margaret Mary Scally, D.C.

October 17 marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year’s theme is: “Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity.” As we gather today, let us pray for the day when human rights take top priority in global dynamics; when charity is no longer needed because justice prevails; and when inequality and poverty exist no longer. Let us pray for action plans to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1, which are achieved in partnership with persons living in poverty. Grant us strength and courage in this endeavor, Oh God, Amen. READING: Today, poverty prevails as the gravest human rights challenge in the world. Combating poverty, deprivation and exclusion is not a matter of charity, and it does not depend on how rich a country is …….By tackling poverty as a matter of human rights obligation, the world will have a better chance of abolishing this scourge in our lifetime……Poverty eradication is an achievable goal. (Louise Arbour, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) PRAYER FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY (Adapted by the prayer of the same name by Joseph Wresinski) For the millions of children twisted by the pain of hunger, no longer able to smile, yet still yearning to love. For the millions of young people, who have no reason to believe, and question the meaning of existence, and who vainly search for a future in this senseless world, God of compassion and justice hear us . For the millions of men, women and children, whose hearts are still pounding strong to the beat of struggle, whose minds rise in revolt against the unjust fate imposed upon them, whose courage demands the right to priceless dignity. God of compassion and justice hear us . For the millions of children, women and men who do not want to condemn, but to love, to pray, to work and to unite, so that a world of solidarity may be born. A world, our world, in which all people would have given the best of themselves before dying. God of compassion and justice hear us . We pray for a world where people no longer live in hunger; where they are free from HIV AIDS; where mothers no longer die in childbirth; where children no longer die of preventable diseases; where every child has the right to quality education; where poverty and inequality have been overcome. God of compassion and justice hear us. Written by Sister Theresa Sullivan, D.C.