Gerry O’Hanlon SJ, author of The recession and God reflects on praying in recessionary times
I meet many people who are worried and fed up these days. There seems to be no end to the bad news – unemployment rising, pensions wiped out, uncertainty everywhere and an ugly mood of discontent. I wonder was it like this for Job? Or for the Psalmist who asked ‘how long must we wait?’
Funny how that visit to my 86 year old Uncle Rory last week was one of God’s ways of helping me to see things in a different light. Rory lived with my dad and the rest of their large family in a 3-storey house in Hardwick Street, in the heart of Dublin, back in the 1920s. He described how they had a toilet and tap in the yard: there they washed, and fetched water in a bucket for the cooking. “It was all we knew”, he said “and we were happy”.
I know, Lord, that Rory is not some kind of grumpy Luddite, full of nostalgia for times past. He appreciates so much the real progress we have made, the beautiful houses we live in. But he does regret the passing of those other values which affluence has tended to suppress – like the time we had for one another, the kind of solidarity which excessive competition destroys. I can understand better now what the French poet Charles Péguy meant when he wrote that ‘everything begins in mysticism and ends in politics’.
And so, Lord, help me like Job to be patient, to listen to the many reassurances of Jesus telling me ‘do not be afraid’, to imagine a future in which economic growth will seek a ‘richness of sufficiency’ which will respect our planet and the common good of all – rich and poor – who live on it. Help me to believe that this is possible, because in the resurrection of Jesus you have shown that evil is, in the end, defeated. Fill me with confident hope in your love.
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Thursday 24 December 2009
I look at the world today,and see war,greed,religious intolerance,hate and wonder where God is. What I found is that my despair is leading only to depression. I got good advice today, abandon myself to God and let Him guide me, for he is there ,I am not hearing. So this is what I will do,I will not try to understand God,but to give myself to him, so he can enlighten me.
I ask for your prayers to give me strength to heed this advice.
Monday 30 November 2009
I work in a low income job, much less than my previous income. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a warm house, I eat well, I have my health, my wife and my family. Material possessions are not important. I lost my way striving for them and when times were good I wanted for nothing or so I thought. What I wanted for in reality was the void in my life to be filled. Thank you Lord for filling that void. I wanted for Jesus’ love.
Sunday 22 November 2009
I have lost my job and is now in what is called a one income family. I am having a hard time finding a job and have been sometimes hopeful and trusting and sometimes doubtful and depressed. Then I read the comments here and I realize that I am still really generously blessed. So what if I can’t afford to buy another pair of shoes to add to the rows and rows that I have in my closet most of which have not been used yet. And do I really need to wallow in self pity because I can’t buy a new dress when there’s at least a dozen in the closet still with their tags on because I haven’t found the right occasion to use them? Thank you for changing my way of thinking.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
I have to be honest and admit It’s hard to break myself away from earthly aspirations and desires, when ever I begin to get a glimpse of the deeper meaning of my existence and to see the real importance of proclaiming and enhancing the “reign of God”, I am dragged back into the “reign of Humanity” by other peoples agenda’s or expectations. I beleive the modern troubles in the world are symptomatic of that very ancient evil GREED and that this human trait stems from our inheretance of The Original Sin.I am glad to read other’s comments and to take heart from their personal struggles and triumphs in faith. I also beleive that the present time is indeed a recurring cycle in our human journey, which (if you look at both Human recorded history and the Scriptures) repeats itself at regular intervals in time.
Sunday 8 November 2009
The current economic uncertainties and lack of health insurance have caused me considerable stress and worry. I need to be reminded that God is there for me and for all of us. I’m sorry that today’s society has moved so far away from God, the Church, and family. As someone wrote, even though this Great Recession is not as bad as the Great Depression, it seems worse because we’ve lost our sense of community with one another and with God. We’ve also become spoiled. Let’s all remember how much Jesus loves us. That is strong enough to get us through this or anything else.
Friday 6 November 2009
Economics speaks to economics keep your soul out of that conversation.
Love speaks to Love engage your soul…
Seek/Receive the Love…and be
The Love you receive will continue from you and all you effect…
Allow yourself to be Loved.
God knows all…and has always been in control
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Times are hard for everyone, everywhere. What we have to remember is that the Lord knows our every need. He will supply everything we need. Even when we think that all is lost and nothing is happening he is there.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
A friend recently introduced me to this site…and I am so glad she did. It has been a real blessing and now I seek out that special time in my bedroom, away from the hustle and bustle of life, and with laptop on lap, I go to this site for comfort, encouragement, identification and mostly ….the love of God who fills me with His sweet presence…and lets me know He is always with me…and will never leave or forsake me. That is good news …dear friends!
Tuesday 3 November 2009
This is my first visit to Sacred Space and it is helping me feel calm and centered when I’ve been feeling scattered and stressed. I recently relocated to a new city and the past two weeks I have been frantically applying for jobs, for hours each day, and have yet to hear anything back, not even an invitation to interview. I’ve been really craving some spiritual guidance, every decision seems so much more important and dire during this time of economic crisis. Last night I couldn’t sleep until the sun was starting to rise for worry. After spending some time reading this article and today’s prayer I feel a little more contented. I have been doing my part on the physical plane, now it is time to check in with my soul and find my center.
Sunday 18 October 2009
God has His way of lifting us up when we are down. I haven’t been visiting Sacred Space for several months now but as I woke up this morning, I was drawn to this site again. I thank the Lord for leading me to this well-timed reflection and inspiring comments. Everyone who made a comment here just made a positive impact in my life today. Let us all keep the Faith. Indeed, only God will suffice. God bless us all.
Thursday 24 September 2009
It’s so easy to let the seed of God’s Word get choked up by the desire for material goods, comfort and the anxiety over losing the little of these that we have acquired. Every other day I have to catch myself and ween myself from being swallowed up by fear and worry over uncertainties. It’s a great mercy that God would not abandon me to myself. Instead he allows me to be still and know that He is God.
With all of His trusting children, I rejoice in His presence, his PEACE, and the gift of friends who draw us to himself time and again …
like St. Teresa of Avila who reminds us to:
Let nothing disturb you; Nothing afright you.
All things are passing. God alone does not change.
Patient endurance will attain everything.
Who ever possesses God will not lack anything.
God alone suffices.
Tuesday 22 September 2009
it is really easier to be discouraged than be hopeful at this time of financial crisis as we see and hear bad news everyday. but God has been trying to reassure me that He is the Great Provider, and that He will sustain me in these hard times. and as i reflect, indeed, God has blessed me with more than i need. Thank you Lord, for Your abundant grace.
Sunday 20 September 2009
Thank you Sacred Space for all you do for us. Dearest Lord, thank you for all you teach us especially in difficult times, if only we pause, turn to you and listen to that quiet voice. Help us to reach out to those near to us and those in far off places who are so very much more worse off. Give us the courage Lord to change, to live within our incomes and not to be full of the greed that brought this crisis upon us. Thank you Jesus for your patience with us.
Friday 18 September 2009
I’ve not been back to this page for months. Today I am moved to come back. Commenting on the current economic crisis: My first comment is this is not a crisis. Just a lesson for all of us who have become spoiled. Times are not as tough as the Depression Era generation lived through but somehow it seems nearly as bad because people don’t stick together and work for one another as previous generations did. I hope our faith deepens and we learn lessons.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
The Spirit always seems to work at the most unlikely times. When we pray in despair for greater faith, God opens our eyes and we are able to see the quiet beauty and hope that are being offered to us through our circumstances. For so long in this country our eyes have been focused on all the wrong things. Jesus told his followers not to lay up treasures on earth, but we, even in the church, have been fooled and taken in by the deceiver. We built our houses on the sand and they indeed are tumbling down. May we all have the courage to listen to the still, small voice that is beckoning us back to joy, peace, and hearts of compassion and servanthood . It is the voice of the One who truly loves us. His heart is breaking for this world, and he calls broken hearted followers to love those around them in tangible, selfless ways. This is our call. God, help us to listen to Your voice.
Wednesday 2 September 2009
This is the first time I have viewed these comments, nice to see others that beleive in Our Lord Jesus. I work in a nonprofit organization and I take calls every day of the poor who are losing there homes and apartments and / or are homeless and looking for some relief. It is amazing that in all these calls daily very very few are in despair I believe this is because they have faith in Jesus and know that this world is temporary, I think we have a lesson to learn from the poor. We need to be satisfied with our position in life no matter what that position might be. Never despise the Lord for the role that he has given you to play. God bless you all and keep working to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
Thursday 20 August 2009
I haven’t been on this site in years and really like the revisions. Just 10 minutes ago I turned off the television news with similar thoughts, “this summer really was nothing but a bunch of bad news”. Trying to keep our faith with youth dying while old express their death wishes, planes crashing, car accidents after bad choices made, etc…….. and as a friend said once when I question why —- if I knew, it wouldn’t be called F A I T H !!! Let us pray for one another because I really feel that all this bad news is becoming the snow ball affect and fear seems to be the driving force.
Sunday 16 August 2009
I like to think that all events in my life (manufactured and natural ) have something to teach me on the importance of moving closer to God. A breakthrough to my persistent resistance to the Truth. Having said that, it still hurts big time when things go south.
God Bless to everyone hurting out there. Peace and Love
Sunday 16 August 2009
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Jesus is my anchor, my rock, without Him I am nothing. God in His great love and mercy has allowed me to live to old age. Soon I will see Him in all His glory. In the meantime I must busy myself with doing God’s work. If only people would realize how much God loves them individually…..how he desires to be intimate with them…..to walk with them throughout their day. What a friend we have in Jesus. Thank you Sacred Space for providing the oppertunity each day to encounter this awesome, loving God who sustains all of creation yet still finds time for me.
Friday 24 July 2009
Thank you for this special medium to express oneself. I am visiting sacred space for the first time and no doubt I truly enjoy your write up in your column. For many who don’t know how to pray and for those who forget to pray sometimes it will guide them. As a catholic, the necessity of prayer is very important because it brings you closer to God. Here you communicate and dialogue with your God in the spirit.
Like some of your writers wrote no man can succeed in life without being put to test by God.
In away situation we find ourselves in life, God has a hand in it for a purpose. All we need do is to focus on God and believing and trusting in Him with faith; He will see us through.
Monday 20 July 2009
Your website is very inspiring and uplifting in these dark day of global recession. Prayer is very important to the nation to guard all God’s people through tough times. O Sacred Heart of Jesus I place my trust in thee that all families especially in Ireland have enough to keep them going until things improve.
Friday 17 July 2009
At times of prosperity we thank you Lord. At times of hardship we thank you Lord. We remember Job, long ago, you tested him. We remember Abraham whom you also tested. You ask us what is important to us, what we hold as sacred in our lives.
For all is passing, nothing is permanent in this life, even the joys we experience soon will pass.
It is only our love and communion with You that will last.
Thursday 16 July 2009
It is profoundly meaningful to hear the comments on this forum voiced by people from all over the world. It is a welcome respite from the dour reports we hear in the news each day. Thank you for these sincere expressions of your hearts and blessings to each of you.
Thursday 16 July 2009
For the first time today I read the comments here although for some years now I have known this site. My prayers are now and then only, but my wife has noted that I am a more full companion on the days I stopped at Sacred Space.
The thoughts of others here suggest a perfect stopping place on the scale between “mysticism and politics” It is a point where from another war zone a story was told of a damaged statue of Christ with the legend “I have no hands but yours”
Led astray by the cry “Greed is Good” our leaders in many facets of life will take some time to find a true path to prosperity and social good.
For now we need look no further than the door to find those we can help and carry one another through danger and nearer to true happiness. In the old Irish proverb “Is goirre Cabhair Dé ná an Doras” - The help of God is nearer than the door.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Thank you for the opportunity to read through these comments. It is a wonderful relief to realize we are not alone in our worries and troubles, that there are thousands of people around the world worrying on a personal level about how they and their family will survive these times. Working 14 hour days all week but praying all day through their work, good deeds and prayers on a global basis for relief and peace for all of mankind. Faith has been my constant companion throughout life, it has been sorely tested but never completely espounged. He is always with us and with Him nothing is impossible. God bless us all.
Wednesday 15 July 2009
The world’s financial mess is a direct result of greed and a genuine lack of regard for our neighbor by a small group of people that I count as less than 500. Yet this adversity which we are all subject to in one form or another has made us stronger in faith. God is our rock and our salvation. He promises us that his divine guidance in every moment of our human existence is with us and we can be healed only by true faith in HIM. What more could we need.
I truly enjoy the kind words and thoughtfulness of the people on this sacred space and will pray for all of those that are suffering from the financial meltdown. God Bless You !
Monday 6 July 2009
Yes, God is really changing everything for us in these times that “test men’s soul.” I lost my business and now trying to negotiate to keep my house. In the midst of this, I recently had a heart attack and learned something about myself - I am not afraid to die. So now my focus is: Life here is so short, “prepare to meet thy God.” Thank you Sacred Space for helping me to prepare.
Sunday 5 July 2009
This is a great site. I confess that I do not use it enough–my faith has sorely weakened by my difficulties getting a job and now, having been let go from the piddly job I have. I have resolved to pray more often and more fervently for renewed faith, such as when I had when I was young. I think back to something that I heard when I was young: “If God seems to be farther away now, who do you think moved?”
Father O’Hanlon is right. We have grown so affluent and so spoiled. If we haven’t the money for what we want we borrow it. I thank heaven and God that I began to take the idea of savings seriously–but it is late now for someone my age, and with the market down I have probably lost money. Still, graduate school was a mixed blessing I suppose, since I still live that kind of lifestyle, somewhat.
Saturday 4 July 2009
I live in a city that has not been hit as hard by the recession as many others, but both my daughter and her husband were out of work at the same time and it was very difficult for them. Thanks be to God that they have found good jobs. But we have many poor people in our large city and the government of our state (TX) has decided not to take federal aid that would ease the suffering of many of the unemployed and underemployed here. It’s hard to understand why poltical decisions are made when people are left to suffer, but it is up to us to do as the Lord commanded and feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of his children, especially when no one else will. We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord and when one suffers, all suffer. We must do what we can to help one another.
Saturday 13 June 2009
Thank you for this beautiful site. I am a realtor and have finanicially lost my income over the past years because of the serious ecomonic downturn. This time has taught me the importance of staying in the day and moment. I have drawn much closer to God through this difficult time. I have learned over these past years to pray something I did on occasion in the past but never sought. Today I pray for others. Today I am learning to be still, and to value the Spirit world just as much as the physical word. I look for God today. I have experienced the love and support of others and learned to received from my friends and family when in the past my ego would not allow me to ask for help. I have learned some of humility as I contact my creditors to discuss my situation. I have learned some of surrender as I sell what I do not need. I see that I have in the past demanded more of my share of financial security and many other things. Today my Creator has become very real to me. This is for me the great joy of it. I have grown toward God and enjoy a steady growing confidence that all is well if I open myself to it. I am learning a new way to live in spite of what I think I am losing I am in fact gaining true life. Thank you and Gods peace.
Thursday 4 June 2009
It is my belief that everything happens for a reason. We do not see what the reason is when we are going through the “valley of death”. However, our God is a mighty God. He always writes straight in crooked lines. He always brings good out of the most unhappy and unsavory situations. What is so good about the current world financial situation? We are becoming more aware that we can only count on God, our faith, our families, our friends and -if we are lucky to have a community, church or neighborhood-we will pull through this crisis. Let’s thank God for forums like Sacred Space and for all we have. Truly in Him we lack nothing.
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Times are hard for the three of us in our family, but we hang on. We don’t have much to look forward to for quite a while and we don’t have much extra cash at all - certainly no holidays. We have few friends and no family to help financially. But we stay reasonably happy. It is difficult. We are just about paying our way. We hang onto what we have just about, I mean our home. We can’t afford holidays or evenings out. We are stuck. We can do nothing. We can only pray and hang on. We have the basics. It is meant to be. It is God’s will. He carries us safely through each day. Things will change. We believe. We trust. Therein are our riches.
Tuesday 2 June 2009
So how has this financial crisis changed me? I am more discouraged and scared than I was before this current crisis. I worry that I will have to work until I drop dead because I will have no means of retirement. I worry that I will lose my health insurance and home. I am agonized over the deceit of the people who took advantage of innocent people in this fiscal nightmare that did not have to happen.
So…I work harder to keep only upright people in my life. So I work harder to keep my faith and to pray more deeply and honestly. So I work harder to count my blessings and to realize that what I have is ENOUGH. I pray to restrain my greed, to increase my trust when I am scared to pieces and I pray to quiet myself to listen to God in the stillness.
I work harder to prioritize what is really important and I realize that family and friends will help me through the hard times and rough spots. I work harder to carry my cross and pray like mad when it feels unbearable. Are we all the risen Christ? If I am to carry on God’s mission, I must act more like Christ and be happy with what He gives me…which is more than I could have ever dreamed.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Thank you for your message. I think what your Uncle Rory has is an appreciation for the blessings in his life. Hard times show us what is really important: our families and friends; good health and food on our tables; most of all, the assurance that our Savior has us in the palm of His hand. When we experience hard times, He walks through it with us and sustains us.
Despite the difficult times we are going through, I see hope for this generation. One difference I have noticed between this generation and my generation (I grew up in the 70s) is the concern they have for social justice issues. The world is a smaller place than when I grew up. Just in my family, six of my nieces and nephews and my daughter have already served as teens on mission trips. Several of them are serving on long-term trips overseas.
I see a love for the poor and lost that my generation did not have. For us, traveling abroad was reserved for the “called” missionaries. For this generation, it is a way of life. I see hope for our futures.
Jane VanOsdol
Wednesday 6 May 2009
This financial crisis is a fantastic lesson for my children. It is teaching them to seek security in God and not in man, money, nor science. God is the only source of our security. Jesus is the rock and I choose to stand on Him as He chose to go to the cross for me. What greater sacrifice than His on the cross. My little (and it is little, thankfully) experience in this financial crisis must lead me to be a greater giver. Though my stocks have dropped along with my house price (I just sold my house at 2002 price) I still have a home and shoes and food and the list goes on. Due to this crisis the number of people throughout the world without food, clothing, health care, housing etc. has risen. I must reach out even further with the love of Jesus in tangible and intangible ways. Nothing compares to the love of Jesus. Life depends on it, and it alone.
Wednesday 29 April 2009
My Dad lived through the Depression and ‘doesn’t know what all the fuss is about’. But then he has few needs and lives frugally within his income. We, who have so much, have little to complain about. The current recession has much to teach us.
Tuesday 28 April 2009
I spent sometime in war torn Iraq as a doctor with the Coalition forces a few years ago before the current crisis and became reconnected to my faith - in a place where the very basics of life were denied to many I was amazed at the strength of faith I saw in the people I treated and when I returned to my affluent and very safe life in Australia I had a new perspective on what was important - if you have your health and your family and friends, if you can make a positive difference each day to the people around you then you should be thankful to God that you have such a rich life. I pray that this economic down turn results in greater cohesion in families and communities - that we learn once again the value of being together, helping each other and supporting those in need - the world will be a richer place despite the economic gloom.
Saturday 25 April 2009
With Christ, material blessings are properly understood and received gracefully. Without Christ, materialism becomes religion and affluence becomes cultural cancer. Work is our friend…..
Tuesday 21 April 2009
It is very hard to understand the crisis-the orignis are not obvious. But we should not lose track of how many people all over the world have enjoyed an improved quality of life over the past 20 years because of financial progress. And that improved life has made many people happier and heathier than we seem to be willing to acknowledge. Not everyting that happened was bad. People were able to enjoy homes that added to their happiness and to the overall happiness of their community. And those are good things.
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Times certainly are hard. Not as hard as they have been in past generations. But the bond between people doesn’t seem as string either.
“everything begins in mysticism and ends in politics” I pray that people become more important than policy. And that we make truth our authority rather than “Authority” the truth. With all respect I have to ask.
The phrase “richness of sufficiency” , where’s the line? I have not much in my environment, but I have much more than many alive on earth. I am truly blessed by God. But I can’t make it in my society. I believe we are close to “richness of sufficiency” but policy gets in the way. Thank you sacred place. Thank you Lord. Please gracefully gently break the hearts of our policy makers that they might but people first.