Meaning: Dorothy Day was an American journalist, social activist, and devout Catholic who co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement. The movement focused on serving the poor and advocating for social justice, and it established "Houses of Hospitality" and "Farming Communes" to provide food, shelter, and support for those in need. The quote captures Day's reflections on the challenges of maintaining faith in the face of adversity, and it sheds light on the complexities of living out one's beliefs in daily life.

In the quote, Day contrasts the act of having faith in God's support for the collective entities such as Houses of Hospitality and Farming Communes with the difficulty of maintaining faith in each individual person. She suggests that it is often easier to trust in divine providence to supply material needs for communal endeavors than it is to maintain unwavering faith in the intrinsic worth and goodness of every individual. This sentiment reflects Day's deep understanding of the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of living out one's faith in a communal setting.

The first part of the quote, "It is easier to have faith that God will support each House of Hospitality and Farming Commune and supply our needs in the way of food and money to pay bills," speaks to the communal aspect of faith and service. Day acknowledges the collective belief in God's provision for the communal endeavors undertaken by the Catholic Worker Movement. The Houses of Hospitality and Farming Communes were essential components of the movement, providing tangible support to those in need while embodying the principles of solidarity and communal living.

The second part of the quote, "than it is to keep a strong, hearty, living faith in each individual around us - to see Christ in him," delves into the interpersonal and spiritual challenges inherent in serving others. Day emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining faith in the inherent dignity and goodness of each person, likening it to the challenge of seeing the presence of Christ in every individual. This aspect of the quote encapsulates the profound moral and spiritual struggle that Day grappled with in her work among the marginalized and disenfranchised.

Day's words reflect a profound awareness of the human tendency to prioritize collective action and abstract beliefs over the demanding and often messy work of recognizing and honoring the humanity of each individual. Her emphasis on seeing Christ in every person echoes the Christian principle of recognizing the divine image in others and treating them with love, compassion, and dignity. This aspect of Day's message underscores the radical nature of her faith and activism, which sought to challenge societal norms and individual attitudes toward those on the margins of society.

In contemporary society, Day's quote remains relevant, reminding us of the ongoing challenges of living out our faith in tangible ways. It prompts us to reflect on how we engage with and support communal efforts and, perhaps more importantly, how we view and treat each individual we encounter. Whether in the context of social justice activism, community service, or personal relationships, Day's words invite us to confront the complexities of faith, compassion, and solidarity.

In conclusion, Dorothy Day's quote encapsulates the profound challenges and moral imperatives inherent in serving others and living out one's faith. It highlights the tension between collective belief and individual relationships, urging us to recognize the divine spark in each person we encounter. Day's words continue to inspire and provoke, calling on us to grapple with the complexities of faith, community, and the inherent worth of every individual.