In September 2000, the United Nations set eight achievable goals which were agreed to by the United States and 188 other countries. Here is a list of the eight goals:
- Dramatically reduce extreme poverty and hunger – cut in half by 2015.
- Achieve universal primary education.
- Promote gender equality and empower women
- Reduce child mortality.
- Improve maternal health.
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
- Ensure environmental sustainability – including clean water and sanitation.
- Develop a global partnership for development – including more and better aid from rich countries like the United States.
Reading theses goals will probably remind many of us of the words of Jesus found in Matthew 25:35, 36 & 40 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and your came to visit me. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
As we begin a new church year and make our decisions regarding how we will allocate our time and our resources, let us keep in mind the challenge that, as Christians, as are continually facing:
- “As a nation, are we living up to the commitment we made in 2000 to achieve these goals?
- “As a faith community, are we living up to the command of Jesus in regard to the last of our sisters and brothers?”
- “As families and individuals, are we listening to the words of Jesus regarding the least of our sisters and brothers?”
