Over the weekend, Pope Francis made some unscripted remarks about how we often show great love for our pets while disregarding the needs of our neighbours. The Pope told the audience gathered at the Vatican as part of the latest special event in the Jubilee Year of Mercy series: "How often do we see people greatly attached to cats, to dogs," but fail to "help their neighbour, their neighbour who is in need... This will not do."
At first glance it might sound ludicrous that we would prioritise the needs of animals over those of people, but many of us do every day. And it doesn't just stop with our fluffy friends, numerous aspects of our day-to-day living can take priority over our duty to love our neighbour.
No pets doesn't necessarily mean no problem. Here are 5 things that we often show more love for than we do for our neighbours.
Pets – Do you spend more time deliberating over which bed to buy your kitten or puppy than over how you can help the homeless find somewhere to rest their heads at night? Of course pets need care, but our affection for them shouldn't outweigh our actions to ensure our neighbours have access to some basic necessities. People should have all the things that you provide your pet with – shelter, food, love - and more. Take some time to think about whether your love for your pet exceeds your love for others and how you can restore the balance.
Shopping – Sometimes we're so obsessed with the latest trend that we fail to consider how the people who make our clothes are treated. If we don't waste any time purchasing the current must-have, then we should have enough time to look into the working conditions and wages of the workers. By seeking out ethical alternatives and supporting fair trade projects, you can ensure that labourers are fairly treated and paid for their work.
Food – This might sound comical. Surely no one loves their food more than their neighbour? Well, the answer isn't so clear cut when we look at our actions. Food waste in the West is a major problem. In the UK, half of all food waste originates from the home. While so many are starving, we're stocking up with more than we can eat. Get around this by planning your meals so that you waste less, donating any surplus to your local food bank, refugee centre or homeless shelter.
Coffee – It's estimated that people with a daily coffee habit spend around £10,000 on cups of the stuff every year. A switch to a home-made cup will save you a fortune and with the extra money, instead of getting your fix from a coffee chain every morning, you can help someone else fix their own life by supporting a charitable project or sponsorship scheme.
Streaming subscription services – Trying to start a conversation with someone while they're in the middle of a TV show binge is one of the surest ways to feel invisible. Like all other types of binging, binge-watching has its downsides. If someone tries to reach out to you when you're about to reach a crucial point in House of Cards or - dare I say it - Game of Thrones, press pause and acknowledge them. Your shows will still be there when you return.
