MONEY MATTERS
The Jews regard swine as “non-kosher”
or unclean. The mention of Jesus encountering a herd of swine in
Gerasenes attests to the fact that Jesus had entered Gentile
territories. Though He defined His mission as first for the salvation of
the Jews, Jesus showed that His heart and soul have expanded to welcome
everyone into God’s Kingdom. In fact, many of His miracles, such as the
one narrated in the
Gospel today, benefitted non-Jews.
What
a relief it must have been for the man who, for a long time, was
tormented by demons. Jesus not only healed and freed him — a beautiful
fruit of the poor man’s recovery was that, after long years of living
among the graves (a lifestyle that Jews considered as impure), now the
man could go home and resume a peaceful life with his family and dear
ones.
In the midst of such a wonder, the
unhappy ending is that Jesus was banned by the people from entering
their district. Yes, they now finally enjoy peace. No more madman
running after them from among the graves. No more annoying loud cries
from a possessed person. But they could not exchange all these for their
swine herds — for their “economics.”
This
is the new idol that rules the world today: economics. Governments and
political parties rise and fall depending on how they contribute to the
gross national product. In the United States, the electorate can condone
an immoral act of a president as long as he improves the lives of
Americans way above comfortable levels. Wars are fought for purposes of
controlling economic goods, like the much needed “Middle East black
gold,” which is petroleum. Even in religious movements and institutions,
concessions can always be availed of by those who are considered assets
for their coffers. Some jokingly say, “Prayers are good, but we need
cash.”
Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: How often and how heavily do you make decisions based on
money considerations? In what instances did you sacrifice principles and
higher values just because financial issues came into play?
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to always adhere to Your principles, not those of the world.
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