EVANGELII GAUDIUM - page 159

159
more attention to other areas. This is an excuse
commonly heard in academic, business or pro-
fessional, and even ecclesial circles. While it is
quite true that the essential vocation and mission
of the lay faithful is to strive that earthly realities
and all human activity may be transformed by the
Gospel,
171
none of us can think we are exempt
from concern for the poor and for social justice:
“Spiritual conversion, the intensity of the love of
God and neighbour, zeal for justice and peace,
the Gospel meaning of the poor and of pover-
ty, are required of everyone”.
172
I fear that these
words too may give rise to commentary or dis-
cussion with no real practical effect. That being
said, I trust in the openness and readiness of all
Christians, and I ask you to seek, as a community,
creative ways of accepting this renewed call.
The economy and the distribution of income
202. The need to resolve the structural causes
of poverty cannot be delayed, not only for the
pragmatic reason of its urgency for the good
order of society, but because society needs
to be cured of a sickness which is weakening
and frustrating it, and which can only lead to
new crises. Welfare projects, which meet cer-
tain urgent needs, should be considered merely
171
 Cf.
Propositio
45.
172
 C
ongregation
for
the
D
octrine
of
the
F
aith
,
Instruction
Libertatis Nuntius
(6 August 1984), XI, 18: AAS 76
(1984), 908.
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