By Fr. Conrad Targonski

Focus: Sheltering the Homeless

Reflection: “…Just as the commandment ‘Thou shall not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘Thou shall not..’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?” –Pope Francis

Embracing the Year of Mercy: Consider supporting maternity homes and shelters. Visit the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse website for ideas. Other initiatives are often sponsored by church coalitions such as the Salvation Army and other outreach groups of the Coulee region.

Scripture and Prayer: Is not this the fast I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every bond? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house…? (Is 58:6-7) Help us, Compassionate God, to see and respond with mercy to the plight of the homeless. Amen.