Sunday, November 30, 2025: “The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.”

Dear Sisters and Brothers of Emmaus and all people building the Blessed Community (that's all of us!). Everyone is welcome!

Pope Leo XIV named his first major teaching document Dilexi Te, which is Latin for “I have loved you.”  In it, the pope calls us to reject the “empire of money” and the corrupt system that creates poverty and instead, join in loving solidarity to “honor the image of God and build a better society” Pope Leo signed Dilexi Te on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, 2025.

Here's where we can use teaching document throughout Advent as a way to reflect on the poor ampng us and take action. As you know we have built bridges to the organization called NETWORK - the catholic lobby also known as "The Nuns on the Bus." 

The hard working folks at NETWORK have created a Reflection Guide based on the pope's call to support the poor and call out the corruption and greed we see today. Their Reflection Guide offers Spirit-filled justice-seekers a way to reflect on how the pope's call guides and nourishes our work for An Economy for All, and how can we can live out this call in our homes, parishes, and communities across our country.

Explore NETWORK's reflections on each chapter of Dilexi Te below and share this page with friends, family, and church groups. You can also download a PDF of the guide for easy sharing!

Download the Guide using this link:

https://www.networkadvocates.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dilexi-Te-Reflection-Guide.pdf

Chapter 1: A Few Essential Words

Pope Leo calls us to convert away from structures and attitudes “centered on the accumulation of wealth” at all costs.

Pope Leo XIV in his own words

“The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.”

Pope Leo begins by affirming that love for God “is one with love for the poor”. Yet, poverty is worsening. Today, new and "more dangerous” forms of poverty are emerging, and include the lack of material resources, land, rights, and freedom 

Poverty is created by unjust laws and systems that “favor the strongest,” allowing a handful of individuals to hoard resources from our communities. As a result, we are seeing billionaires grow wealthier while more and more people struggle to get by. 

Pope Leo calls for a conversion away from these structures and attitudes that are “centered on the accumulation of wealth” at all costs, “even at the expense of others”

Reflection

In the United States today, a small group of billionaires hold more wealth than half of the country. On average, CEOs make 281 times the typical workers’ pay – accumulating wealth at the expense of others, as Pope Leo describes. Moreover, in the budget Congress passed in July 2025, many lawmakers chose to take away funding for our health care and food, all to pay for enormous tax giveaways to their billionaire backers. 

Americans across the country know that this is wrong and have long cried out for relief. Pope Leo affirms that God hears this cry and calls us to respond. All workers deserve quality health care, paid leave and time off to care for loved ones, safe working conditions, the right to unionize, and living wages that help us pay our bills, save for our dreams, and retire with dignity.

Question

In what ways are you and your loved ones affected by the rising costs of health care, food, housing, education, etc.? How do you see people in your community struggling? Why is it that the ultra-rich are growing richer while regular folks have a harder and harder time?

Download Your Own Copy of the Reflection Guide: Use this link!

https://www.networkadvocates.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dilexi-Te-Reflection-Guide.pdf