November  7.  The deanery J&P groups discussed the situation.  “Too many people nowadays lose their jobs, some even more than once, and often through no fault of their own. This can be an terrible tragedy and cause of great stress in families.  Not all of them have made provision for this and many do feel too old to dig and too ashamed to beg. Debt counsellors and financial advisors have their hands full. Is their advice always honest and for the benefit of their client or for themselves?  That situation is really as old as the hills.  In the gospel Jesus noted that even bad managers can make good decisions; decisions that will not only help themselves. What is money for except to assist people?  But we cannot give away what doesn’t belong to us in order to buy favour as in Jesus’ parable of the dishonest steward. As children of the light we have much to learn about the proper use of goods – for the benefit everyone.”

Reflect, share, act. Scripture: “I have decided what to do so that people may receive me into their house when I am put out of the stewardship.“  Jesus, said, “ The sons of this world are wiser in their own generation than the sons of light.”   From Luke 16:1-8.  Pope Francis. We have created new idols. The worship of the ancient golden calf (cf. Ex 32:1-35) has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose.  The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits.  EG 55- 56   Work should be the setting for rich personal growth , where many aspects of life enter into play ; creativity, planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God. Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth.  Helping the poor, financially must always be a provisional solution.  The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work.  LS 127-8. Jubilee. Looking to the future with hope also entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it. A number of countries are experiencing an alarming decline in the birthrate as a result of today’s frenetic pace, fears about the future, the lack of job security and adequate social policies, and social models whose agenda is dictated by the quest for profit rather than concern for relationships. SNC9.   Act and Pray for compassionate concern for those suffering loss in their families