To my brothers and
sisters in developing countries:
While I was deciding
which oat bran cereal to eat this morning, you were searching the ground for
leftover grains from the passing wheat truck
While I was jogging at
the health center, you were working in the wealthy landowner's fields under a
scorching sun.
While I was choosing
between diet and regular soda, your parched lips were yearning for the touch of
water.
While I complained about
the poor service in the gourmet restaurant, you were gratefully beceiving a bowl
of rice.
While I poured my "fresh
and better" detergent in the washing machine, you stood in the river with your
bundle of clothes.
While I watched the
evening news on my wide screen TV set, you were being terrorized and taunted by
a dictatorship government.
While I read the
newspaper and drank my cup of steaming coffee, you walked the dusty, hot miles
to the tiny crowed schoolroom to try to learn how to
read
While I scanned the ads
for a bargain on an extra piece of clothing, you woke up and put on the same
shirt and pants that you have worn for many months.
While I built a 14 room
house for the three of us, your family of 10 found shelter in a one-room
hut.
While I went to church
last Sunday and felt more than slightly bored, you looked out upon the earth and
those around you and felt gratitude to God for being alive for one more
day.
My brothers and sisters,
forgive me for my arrogance and my indifference. Forgive me for my greed of
always wanting newer, bigger and better things. Forgive me for not doing my
part to change the unjust systems that keep you suffering and
impoverished.
I offer you my promise to
become more aware of your situation and to change my lifestyle as I work for
transformation of our world..
Published in
National Catholic Reporter, November 15, 1996
written by Sr.
Joyce Rupp, author of Dear Heart, Come Home
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