Walking to Spread Awareness
Last month, a 10-year-old boy from Florida walked 280 miles from his home in Valrico, near Tampa, to Florida's state capital, Tallahassee. Zach Bonner was inspired to take his journey after watching a documentary on the life of Mildred Norman Ryder, who in 1951, vowed to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." Ryder spent twenty-eight years of her life on this pilgrimage.
Zach planned his walk to raise awareness of National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. He began his walk on November third and arrived at the state capital on the Monday following Thanksgiving—a trek lasting more than three weeks! Along the way he raised not only awareness, but also raised over $25,000. This is a great start, but many more people will have to follow Zach’s example to help the over 1,000,000 million young people served by street outreach programs (according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness). More information about Zach's journey can be found online here.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops divides Catholic social teaching into five major themes. The first of these is the “Life and Dignity of the Human Person.” In this section it states that what is foundational to all the principles of Catholic social teaching is the Church's proclamation that “human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.” Zach's walk last month in Florida is one way in which people are proclaiming that message to the world.
Homeless youth across our nation and world, because of their dignity as fellow human beings, deserve the same respect and care that is given to children who have the blessing of a home. But it can be easy to ignore the needs of those people in our societies who are on the margins and whom we may not encounter everyday. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40 “... whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me.” Jesus was willing to die for us and for all the times we have ignored or refused to see him in those who need our help, attention and love. But when we recognize the love he had for us it becomes much more difficult not to show our love to those in need. During the coming Christmas season, for many of us, there will be several opportunities to demonstrate our care for those who are homeless or in need. Let us pray that we will take this spirit of love and concern with us throughout the rest of the year.
Catholic Connections
“Every person and association has a right and a duty to participate actively in shaping society and to promote the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.”
From the USCCB document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship #47 (2003)
Reflection Questions
What can you do to help and raise awareness about homeless youth in America?
Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!
