The test is a simple one – is the response helpful or hurtful? The difficulty arises because virtually every move made in this regard can have pluses and minuses and vast areas of uncertainty and unintended consequences. The uncertainty of ultimate outcome, however, cannot be an excuse for inaction or a cause to shirk one's Christian and social responsibilities. The litmus test is unavoidably spiritual and rests upon one's perception of blessedness. Thus, welfare responses finally depend upon the penetrating clarity and incisiveness of spiritual guidance or lack thereof.... forming perceptions of Mother Teresa as either saint or fool.
