March 09 Kandili
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER LOU
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”(Rom. 8:31)
Less than two months have passed since the historical Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. Only recently the unprecedented $787 billion economic stimulus package was passed and signed into law right here in Denver by President Obama. Dubbed as a multi-faced rescue plan, aimed at creating or saving millions of jobs, offering tax credits and sparking consumer spending, proponents and critics abound. The President was quoted in the Wednesday, February 18, Denver Post, “We have begun the essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time”. (Pg.1)A question we must all ask ourselves, especially as we begin Great Lent is just what the American Dream is and does it fit within our Orthodox Christian faith? Undoubtedly, having a US President with African American roots certainly qualifies as a fulfillment to both the “America Dream” and indeed a Godly attitude in general whereby any person based upon his or her God-given gifts can aspire to such leadership positions. And merely two or three generations ago tens of thousands of immigrants looked forward to enter into this country looking for “gold” sidewalks. There was a promise that they could pull themselves out of poverty and create a better life for their families. Indeed this happened for many, including many of our own parents and grandparents. In the midst of this prosperity with a depression here and recessions there, we find ourselves in a very challenging economic time. May God’s grace and strength be with the tens of thousands who have lost jobs, some within our own parish. Let us help whenever and wherever we can.
However, in general, this part of the “American Dream” has gone too far. In its extreme, greed and self-centeredness abound. Multimillion dollar contracts for athletes and entertainers and similar bonuses for top executives have become commonplace. To be fair, some of those people have been very generous and philanthropic. It seems to be the exception however rather than the rule.
Was a corrective necessary? Economically most say it was inevitable. From our Christian perspective the “Dream” in its extreme has “missed the mark”. Simply put, it is sinful. In our own lives, how can it be corrected? Allow me to offer some observations:
1. Let us focus FIRST on God. He promises us that he will take care of us; spiritually and physically. “Remember the lilies of the fields”. (Matt. 6: 25-34)
2. Let’s not over extend ourselves. Live within our means. God loves us just as much when we are in a decent house that we can afford as when we are in a nicer and bigger house that we can’t afford. The same is true when we are driving a less expensive car as opposed to a more expensive one that we financed to the maximum. The spiritual principal here is that we are to take care of our needs and the needs of our family. If there is anything beyond our needs left over, if we desire to be Godly, we share with others. Remember the parable of the rich fool. (Lk. 12:16-21)
3. Let’s endeavor to teach our children by example and keep them in prayer always, asking God to guide them on the right path as so many things in our life teach the “dream in extreme” mentality of material security.
4. Finally, let us help any and every way possible through prayer and deed those who are struggling or who have lost jobs. So many people are innocent victims in the fallout of our general greed. Our Philoptochos and my own ” St. Catherine Special Services Account” are places to give if you desire, since we are asked to and help regularly in small ways those who are in need.
As we begin this 2009 period of Great Lent may we always remember that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Have a blessed Great Lent with a healthy “dream” of God’s love and grace.
In Christ,
Fr. Lou
Kali Tessarakosti! Have a blessed Great Lent!