A Christ Filled Response to the Global Ecconomic Crisis

In times of crisis very real and tangible fears tend to rise to the surface creating harmful anxiety, stress and worry. Often the unfortunate bi-product of that fear causes us to either withdraw into ourselves, or to lash out at others or iconic institutions. Yet I ask the question, is this difficult economic crisis an opportunity for the church to shine and provide spiritual strength and fortitude for her members, as well as those in search of spiritual substance? My answer to that question is – “Yes, absolutely Yes!” When we read the Bible many times we see the suffering of God’s people. Yet we always see God’s redeeming love and renewal that comes out of the turmoil. As faithful Christians God’s Word leads the way for us in our daily lives, reminding us that God is ever present and hears our cries; God feels our pain; God endures our suffering and fears. God will see us through this desert journey.

The economic distress of our day, while most unpleasant and troubling, presents all faithful Christians with an opportunity to rise up and meet the ever growing dimness of fear and doubt with a renewed faith, a determined zeal and unbending hope. As a priest and servant of Christ, I wish to assist us in navigating these difficult and tumultuous waters, so that we might remain the ever steady and non-anxious presence that brings peace of mind, stability of heart and gentleness of spirit to the rest of the Church and our community. I realize in some ways that this is a monumental task and one that requires deep and genuine spiritual centeredness. But please hear me when I say, “It is not an impossible task.” In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul wrote

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus….. I (WE) can do all things through him (Christ Jesus) who strengthens me (US).”

We are children of God and created in his image. As Christians we are blessed and equipped for ministry to the world as well as in our own backyard. Since we proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior, this global financial crisis presents us with the chance to claim our place in that life. I understand in this difficult time that we are genuinely afraid; I know we feel insecure, real worry, stress and doubt; and I understand the anxiety sparked by the dark cloud of the unknown. Not many of us freely choose to walk in darkness, but the liturgical season of Advent is an ever present reminder that while the darkness is a natural part of our lives; the light of God will always shine through. In that same terrifying darkness we often unexpectedly stumble onto what we discover is Holy Ground. Through the ages suffering has brought us into the very real presence of God. Therefore I encourage each one of us to steady ourselves in faith and the knowledge of God in Jesus Christ, so that we can set the spiritual example for the rest of the Church and the world. It is more important now than ever that we work together through this difficult and frightening time as a community of faith, bound by our common love in Jesus Christ. As an old friend of mine used to say, “This too shall pass. But in the meantime, (well) its just that – a mean time.” I encourage us to shine like a ligh on a hill and try to set aside (as best that we can) our own fears and doubts, and live our lives as a wholesome example in Christ; setting the spiritual standard and groundedness for others.

In everything we face in this increasingly unstable world it is important to remember that Christ is with us. When we suffer, Christ suffers with us. God is interjecting himself into the very heart of the pain, and working to redeem and reconcile us (and all things) to him. This is the Church’s time to shine through the darkness and become a proactive part of God’s larger plan. And while we may not fully know or understand that plan, we are certain of this: God is with us (Emmanuel) and will never leave us.

Our very wise fore fathers and founders of this country stated, “United we stand, divided we fall.” That statement is a reminder to those who live by faith that we must stand together through thick and thin, united in our diversity by the laying aside of our differences and the casting off of our fear. The burden of the darkness may now weigh heavy upon our shoulders, but the light of hope will cut through that darkness like a sharp razor, revealing God’s ever present self and eternal grace.

Hang in there! Do not give up hope. God has brought us this far and he will not leave us. We are blessed with a strong, faithful and committed church that has the spiritual fortitude and faith to guide and lead us through these murky waters of despair. So let go of whatever it is that holds us back, and let God take over. Together we will make it through this most difficult and uncertain time. That is not a speculation; it is God’s true nature a very real promise.