Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

I am often in awe of the simple lifestyle that St. Francis lived. He took his vow of poverty seriously. His Brothers continue to this day to vow that they will have nothing of their own. He used “sino proprio” as a focus on not possessing items. If he had a cloak, that cloak usually didn’t stay with him for long before he shared it with someone in need. It wasn’t HIS cloak. Without concerns of property, Francis could focus more deeply on spirituality.

Reading a book entitled, Being Consumed: Economics and Christan Desire by William T. Cavanaugh, has brought to my mind today the degree to which our levels of consumerism separate us from our faith. The Felician Sisters send out a regular email on Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. A headline caught my eye: “It’s been 16 years since the federal minimum wage was increased.” There are kids today working for the same minimum wage that existed when they were born. There are adults who have spent their entire working life at the same minimum wage. And it’s a wage that does not allow workers to move above the poverty level.

Cavanaugh notes, “The church is called to be a different kind of economic space and to foster such spaces in the world.” Several times in the Gospel according to St. John, we hear that Jesus and the disciples are not of the world. As disciples, we are also called to be separate from the world in our view and our care for others. Cavanaugh says, “From a Christian point of view, the churches should take an active role in fostering economic practices that are consonant with the true ends of creation.” We, the church, can make a difference. Alerting our representatives about our concerns is important.

Leading Age notes that Medicaid provides support for nearly 60% of older adults living in nursing homes and is the primary funding source for home and community-based services in the US. The nearly $1 trillion in proposed cuts to Medicaid will be devastating to aging Americans, their families, and the providers who serve them. We are called to care for our sisters and brothers, for all of God’s creation.

Blessed Angela: “Do all things with the intention of pleasing Jesus Christ.”