The political and economic implications of the global financial crisis are widely commented on. Paul Andrews SJ wonders how the financial crisis might influence prayer?
Lord, all this financial turmoil seems to touch my prayer in two ways. Sometimes I feel moral indignation at the greed of the fat cats whose desire for ever-greater profits has exploited the weak. I hope that they may move from blindness to a sense of the real world of people, and realise the futility of their greed that wants more and more money. "What does it profit to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of your soul?" (Mark 8:36) But I know that such indignation is not always from the good spirit; it may be mixed with Schadenfreude in which there is little charity. I need to watch it. At other times I feel fear and insecurity for myself and my loved ones. This pushes me to look at myself.
Does insecurity make me more self-seeking and less caring about the needs of others, lessening my humanity, clouding my sense that people matter more than money? Or does this worldwide turmoil strengthen my compassion? Poverty is not good in itself, but where it leads to a deeper dependence on God and coexists with generosity it can be a rare grace – remember Jesus marvelling at the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-43).
‘Trop est avare à qui Dieu ne suffit.’
You’re too greedy if God is not enough for you.
Thursday 9 April 2009
The effect of the global crisis is felt but in a way that the connection between it and the suffering people at the grassroots level cannot be easily seen. All that the bottom segment of society is experiencing is sheer confusion and hopelessness. But we “in the know” should unmask the power of selfishness responsbile of all the crisis: that is greed. Greed is an attitude of acquisition and grasping blind to the needs of the common good–a pervasive attitude among the have-nots as well as the affluent. Our christian bias for the poor should compel us to throw our weight heavily behind them. Obviously, they have less in law and in life’s opportunities which includes humanness, in dignity, in concern of the common good – again, all because of greed. To what segment of society do we belong? What is our bias?” These cliches– “Small is besutiful” and “Think macro, act micro” –are much relevant today. Even in our own “micro” ways, we can make a difference!
Thursday 9 April 2009
I live in Ireland and the recent budget has made people really afraid. I know that most of us are much better off than those in other countries but people are afraid they will lose their jobs and homes and some already have. This fear which is palpable reminds me of the fear the disciples felt when Jesus was taken from them. I pray that all of us will hand our fear over to God and that we will reach out to one another in our need.
Wednesday 8 April 2009
I never had much money as I am ill but God has always been there for me all my life and I thank Him for that.
The Budget is very harsh and all my family and friends have been affected. I pray that this global recession won’t last long.
Please God help me not to judge the people who creamed all the money and profits for themselves in Ireland and elsewhere and don’t let us go back to the really bad times which I fear we might.
Monday 6 April 2009
The quote ‘Trop est avare à qui Dieu ne suffit.’ —- “You’re too greedy if God is not enough for you.” was by Father Benet or Benoit of Canfield (1562-1611), usually known as Benet Canfield. He was a convert to Roman Catholicism and became an English Recusant and mystic.
Friday 3 April 2009
what a wonderful find while surfing the net for info on financial literacy and job loss. thank you!