Whatever I had read as a child about the saints had thrilled me. I could see the nobility of giving one's life for the sick, the maimed, the leper. But there was another question in my mind. Why was so much done in remedying the evil instead of avoiding it in the first place? Where were the saints to try to change the social order, not just to minister to the slaves, but to do away with slavery?
Dorothy DayThank God that He has permitted us to live among the present problems. It is no longer permitted to anyone to be mediocre.
Dorothy DayTo feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the harborless without also trying to change the social order so that people can feed, clothe and shelter themselves is just to apply palliatives. It is to show a lack of faith in oneโs fellows, their responsibilitie s as children of God, heirs of heaven.
Dorothy DaySome have more capacity. Some proceed a few steps along the way. But Christ seemed to love all men. He desired all to be saved.
Dorothy DayWe cannot love God unless we love each other, and to love we must know each other. We know Him in the breaking of bread, and we know each other in the breaking of bread, and we are not alone anymore. Heaven is a banquet and life is a banquet, too, even with a crust, where there is companionship.
Dorothy Day