That's not my problem.

It’s a phrase that can roll off the tongue when something feels too big, too difficult, or too far from us. It also builds walls where there should be bridges. 

Did Jesus say “that’s not my problem” when he met the leper down the mountain?

Did He say it when the hungry gathered around him, when his friends were afraid, when the children wanted to see him, or when injustice reigned?

Did He ever walk past pain and say, “someone else will fix it”?

We know the answer. 

Catholic social teaching reminds us of the innate and unbreakable dignity of every person. No one is less worthy of love or attention. When we live as though another human’s suffering is not our concern, we forget about their dignity – and our own. 

In Luke’s Gospel (21:1-4), Jesus notices a poor widow placing two small coins into the temple treasury. He points out to his disciples that while the rich gave out of their excess, she gave out of her poverty. We don’t need abundance to make a difference. 

Please don’t wait for wealth to work for peace.

Please don’t wait for status to build unity.

Please don’t wait for recognition to love as Jesus did. 

The world has enough people who say “that’s not my problem”.

Be someone who says, “that’s my neighbour”.