Word to the Wise
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - Wednesday in the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
[Proverbs 30:5-9 and Luke 9:1-6]Give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; lest, being full, I deny you, saying, "Who is the Lord?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God. [Proverbs] "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sac, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic." [Luke]
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010 WEDNESDAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [Proverbs 30:5-9 and Luke 9:1-6] In case you haven't noticed, we are in an election year in the USA and we are still suffering from a considerable economic crisis. This, of course, is rich fodder for the political trough. I am put in mind of the old saying, "When all is said and done, more will be said than done." The wisdom of the Book of Proverbs captures the situation well by touching on two psychological perspectives - one from affluence and one from poverty. The author points out that those who have too much are likely to forget their need for God. Those who have too little may curse God and take violent measures. History and experience confirm this wisdom over and over. Jesus' admonition to the Twelve about what they may bring with them on the journey is always a reminder to me that I tend to overpack when I travel by car to a preaching event! He asks the apostles to rely on the generosity of the people to whom they preach. I do that, but I bring a number of "comfort items" with me! Again, the question of need, which arises in today's scripture, comes forward. How much does one need, in contrast with how much does one want? In a world where humans starve every day in the midst of abundant resources (indeed in the very USA!), serious questions must be raised about the standard of living if we are to be serious Christians! If we Catholics take the social teaching of the church seriously, we have to be concerned about the unborn child just as much as with the one who is born to starve. We have to be concerned with both, and there are economic consequences that may be politically sensitive, but there can be no question where the gospel stands. All human life is sacred. All human life should have sufficient resources for a decent standard of living. Proverbs challenges us to ask, "Am I full, or am I in want?" What are the consequences for all of us? AMEN