2008 Poverty Challenge Reflections
– Fr. Ron Sajdak,
Co-Chairperson Peace & Justice Commission
Of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
Pastor of St. Martin de Porres/Buffalo, NY
It has been fifteen years since I’ve had to live from pay check to paycheck. The preparation material for the 2008 poverty challenge helped me to want to embrace this initiative so that I may better understand and relate to the day to day struggles of so many here in our city and state.
Being a church professional, and dedicating myself to a life of “professional simplicity” in light of Gospel directives, I thought the challenge would be somewhat off balanced for me. I thought that I wouldn’t be a “normal candidate” and that it would be too easy for me.
As I prepared to take the 2008 challenge, I was surprised to consider so many things that I daily take for granted such as: the cost of having my own private transportation, internet at home, cable TV, health insurance – even if I don’t use it right now, not to mention the cost of meals. Even at the outset it began to open my eyes.
I’m here to report that I failed the challenge. I tried every which way to modify my life. Because I own my car but fuel and insurance costs are provided to me by my church I called my vehicle a “company car” and reduced my daily cost for the vehicle in half. But even with that done, no cable TV at home, no internet, cooking my own meals that would last throughout the challenge, I still couldn’t make ends meet.
At the conclusion of the poverty challenge, I’m ashamed of my failure but I’ve grown in admiration for the countless who have to make ends meet on so little. I’m challenged to investigate how I can make a difference for others. I’m humbled and challenged to a greater simplicity of life just so others may simple live.
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