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Whoever enters the Community Hall located on the fifth floor of Caritas House [next to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Hong Kong] will certainly come across the Beatitudes that hang on the columns of the imposing structure. It happens, I may confess, that there are times when I can’t help but think about how these Beatitudes can guide the work of Caritas. The kind person who suspended the characteristic parts of the “Sermon on the Mount” up there, whether it is a Caritasian or not, was clearly motivated by the desire to let the Beatitudes speak to us in ways that contribute to the building of a better world.

After some years of walking in and out of the Community Hall, I may say that the Beatitudes profoundly guide Caritas, serving as a foundational framework for its mission of charity, justice, and service to the poor and vulnerable. They provide a gospel-centred approach, ensuring that Caritas’s actions reflect the values and priorities of Jesus Christ.

The Beatitudes as a blueprint for action

The Beatitudes, as articulated in Matthew 5:3-12, offer a set of principles that shape the practical work and spiritual orientation of Caritas. They move it beyond mere philanthropy, rooting its activities in a deep commitment to gospel values.

• Preference for the poor: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This Beatitude establishes a clear priority for Caritas: to stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalised. “To help the underprivileged and the vulnerable” is the first line of our Mission statement. Caritas is called to recognise the inherent dignity of those living in poverty and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society where their needs are met and their voices are heard.

“Caritas is called to recognise the inherent dignity of those living in poverty and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society where their needs are met and their voices are heard”

• Empathy and compassion: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Caritas is guided to approach those who are suffering with empathy and compassion, offering not only practical assistance but also emotional and spiritual support. This Beatitude calls for a ministry of presence, where Caritas workers walk alongside those who are grieving, offering comfort and hope.

• Gentleness and humility: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Caritas is called to act with gentleness and humility, avoiding arrogance or a sense of superiority. We bring help and comfort to the neighbour not because we are “better off”, but because Christ’s love, which is the very meaning of Caritas, is alive and active, and is meant to be shared. This Beatitude reminds Caritas to listen to the voices of those they serve, to respect their autonomy, and to empower them to participate in finding solutions to their own challenges. “To encourage people to actualize their potential” is clearly mentioned in our Mission statement, and rightly so.

• Pursuit of justice: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Caritas is driven by a deep desire for justice, working to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. This Beatitude calls for advocacy, systemic change, and a commitment to challenging unjust structures and policies that perpetuate human suffering.

“We bring help and comfort to the neighbour not because we are “better off”, but because Christ’s love, which is the very meaning of Caritas, is alive and active, and is meant to be shared”

• Mercy and forgiveness: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Caritas extends mercy and forgiveness to those who have been harmed or marginalised, promoting reconciliation and healing. This Beatitude calls for a restorative approach to justice, where the focus is on repairing relationships and creating opportunities for those who have been wronged to rebuild their lives. When these opportunities are rightly taken, our brothers and sisters in need will be able to learn and “to nurture a spirit of offering back to the community from which the people have benefited”, as stated in our Mission statement.

• Purity of heart: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Caritas acts with integrity and transparency, ensuring that its actions are motivated by a genuine desire to serve God and neighbour. This Beatitude calls for accountability, ethical conduct, and a commitment to using resources wisely and effectively.

• Peacemaking: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Caritas works to resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation, and build communities of peace and understanding. This Beatitude calls for dialogue, mediation, and a commitment to non-violence in the pursuit of justice and human dignity. Whoever reads our Mission statement will surely come across this line: “to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation”, for the good of our human relationships, and for a better working atmosphere as well.

• Perseverance in the face of adversity: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness› sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Caritas remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding. This Beatitude calls for courage, resilience, and a willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

“Caritas remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding”

The Beatitudes as a source of spiritual renewal

The Beatitudes not only guide Caritas’s actions but also serve as a source of spiritual renewal for its workers and volunteers. By embracing these values, Caritas members deepen their relationship with God and become more effective instruments of his love and mercy.

• Living the gospel: The Beatitudes invite Caritas members to live the gospel more fully, allowing them to experience the joy and fulfillment that come from serving others.

• Transforming the world: The Beatitudes empower Caritas to be a catalyst for change, transforming the world into a more just, compassionate, and loving place.

The Beatitudes invite all people to embrace a life of love, service, and commitment to justice. Caritas embodies this invitation through its work, offering a tangible expression of God’s love for humanity.  By following the example of Christ and living out the Beatitudes, Caritas seeks to create a world where all people can experience the fullness of life.

In conclusion, the Beatitudes are an indispensable guide for Caritas, shaping its mission, informing its actions, and inspiring its members to live out the gospel in concrete ways. By embracing the values of the Beatitudes, Caritas becomes a powerful force for good in the world, bringing hope and healing to those who are most in need.

Let us pray: “Loving God, we thank you for the gift of the Beatitudes, which show us the path to true happiness. Guide Caritas and all who seek to serve others that they may embody the virtues of humility, compassion, and justice. Help us to see your face in the faces of the poor and vulnerable, and inspire us to respond with love and generosity. May we be peacemakers in a broken world, and may we always seek to do your will. Amen”.

Dominique Mukonda, CICM