Seeing Christ in the Margins: The Catholic Mission of Human Dignity

There’s a moment in the Gospel of Matthew that has puzzled and inspired Christians for centuries. Jesus tells his disciples, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). It’s a radical statement. He isn’t just saying to be kind to others—he’s saying that when we serve people experiencing poverty, the hungry, the stranger, we serve him. This is the heart of Catholic teaching on human dignity: every person, regardless of wealth, nationality, or circumstance, bears the image of God.

Yet, in our world, this truth is often forgotten. The poor are invisible; the migrant is dismissed, and the prisoner is condemned. It’s easy to see dignity in those we love; it’s harder to see it in the homeless man on the corner or the refugee at the border. However, Catholic organizations like Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Kino Border Initiative (Kino) remind us that dignity is not something earned—it’s something God gives. Their work challenges us to open our eyes and recognize Christ in every person.

A Church That Walks With the Poor

Catholic Charities USA embodies this mission across the United States, serving those struggling with poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, their programs do more than offer charity—they restore dignity. A hot meal with a smile, a job training program, a shelter that treats people as guests rather than burdens—not just services but encounters with Christ.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “The human person … is and ought to be the principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions” (CCC 1881). Society does not exist to serve the powerful but to uplift the vulnerable. Catholic Charities lives this out in shelters, food banks, disaster relief, and counseling services, reminding each person they are seen and valued.

Global Solidarity: The Work of CRS

If Catholic Charities represents the Church’s love at home, Catholic Relief Services extends it worldwide. CRS operates in over 100 countries and responds to crises, natural disasters, and chronic poverty. The principle of solidarity guides its work, recognizing that human dignity knows no borders.

One of CRS’s most powerful initiatives is its support of small farmers. Families in parts of Africa and Latin America struggle to grow enough food to survive. Rather than simply offering aid, CRS provides training in sustainable farming, access to better seeds, and tools to increase productivity. This isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about empowering them to feed themselves. As Pope Francis teaches, “Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political” (Laudato Si’, 231). CRS embodies this love, working to relieve suffering and create lasting change.

The Border: A Place of Encounter

Perhaps nowhere is the question of human dignity more urgent than at the U.S.-Mexico border. Migration is one of the most divisive issues of our time, often reduced to statistics and policies. But for the Church, migration is about people—families fleeing violence, children seeking safety, parents desperate to provide for their children.

The Kino Border Initiative is a Jesuit-led ministry that serves migrants on both sides of the border. Its comedor (soup kitchen) in Nogales, Mexico, feeds hundreds of migrants daily and offers food, medical care, and legal assistance. Most importantly, it provides dignity. Migrants are not treated as criminals or problems to be solved; they are greeted with love.

The Gospel commands us to welcome the stranger, yet many fear that doing so will lead to lawlessness. The Church’s teaching is clear: a nation has the right to regulate its borders, but it must also treat migrants with compassion. As the U.S. Bishops state, “The human dignity and human rights of undocumented migrants should be respected” (Strangers No Longer, 39). Kino reminds us that behind every immigration debate are real people—people whom Christ calls us to serve.

How We Can Live This Out

It’s easy to admire the work of Catholic Charities, CRS, and Kino from a distance. But human dignity is not just their mission—it’s ours. Each of us is called to see Christ in those the world ignores.

This begins with simple choices. When we encounter a homeless person, do we look away or kindly greet them? When we hear about refugees, do we react with fear or ask how we can help? When we see injustice, do we remain silent or speak up?

The Church teaches that our responsibility goes beyond charity; it requires justice. “It is not enough to perform acts of charity,” writes Pope Benedict XVI, “we need to transform unjust structures” (Caritas in Veritate, 6). This means advocating for fair policies, supporting organizations that defend human dignity, and challenging attitudes that dehumanize others.

At the core of our interactions lies a fundamental principle that transcends political ideologies: love. This love is not merely a sentimental notion but a practice rooted in our spiritual convictions. If we believe that Christ encompasses every individual, then our treatment of others directly reflects our reverence for Jesus.

When we encounter the marginalized—the poor, the migrants, the forgotten—we have an opportunity to recognize the divine presence in them. It's in these moments that we can truly embody the teachings of the Gospel, which calls us to love unconditionally and act with compassion.

This recognition challenges us to move beyond surface judgments and societal norms that often dictate our responses. Instead, it invites us to see each person as an embodiment of Christ's love, deserving of dignity and respect. Engaging with others through this lens fosters empathy and understanding, allowing us to bridge divides that may seem insurmountable.

Moreover, this approach encourages collective responsibility. It implores us to advocate for justice and support systems that uplift those who are often overlooked. By embracing this mindset, we not only deepen our connection to our faith but also contribute to a more compassionate world. Ultimately, when we act from a place of love and understanding, we draw closer to the heart of the Gospel, creating ripples of hope and healing in our communities.

A Prayer for Human Dignity

Lord, open our eyes to see You in every person we meet. Give us the courage to love as You love, to serve as You serve, and to stand for the dignity of all Your children. May we never turn away from those in need but embrace them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.