August 20.  Money management.  The conversation in the group came back to possessions and money management again, a sore point with many. Men complain that women are spenders, women complain that men are mean and irresponsible, drink or gamble.  “My husband refuses to tell me what he earns.”  “I need to ration the money I give to my wife because she just spends it all.” Comments came from all around the groups.  Are there gender traits when it comes to managing finances or is it to do with one’s ideology, be it traditional,  socialist or capitalist?  And maybe not everyone is called to give up all worldly possessions. That is a special calling.  But everyone is called to have a proper balance. Wealth and greed and corruption can be problems at any level. 

Reflect, share, scripture:      Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matt 19:23-30.  Pope Francis: Many things have to change but it is we human beings above all who need to change.  We lack an awareness of our common origin, our mutual belonging and a future to be shared with everyone. This basic awareness would enable the development of new convictions, attitudes and forms of life. LS 202. ACTION AND PRAYER.  Try out to set up and keep to a budget even for a short time to test one’s management skills.