In Need Of A Spiritual Bailout
While jogging at the YMCA this afternoon I saw on a tv monitor that the home construction industry is now asking for a bailout. Seems to me like another group that wants a free handout. Let’s face it, lately all we’re hearing about is the supposed handouts from the government (banking, auto, etc.) and lately for everyone (economic stimulus). Let’s not even get into who’s going to pay for all this. Let’s not even get in to who’s to blame and what’s caused it (greed, living beyond your means, corruption, ignorance, lack of faith).
This made me think about how much people in our society need to focus internally and develop their interior life and consider the long term view. I think this applies to all societies around the world too. Besides only living materialistically there is a constant attempt to blame everyone else (but yourself) and look to the government to “bail you out.” I always remember this saying, “When you point your finger, there are 3 fingers pointing at you.”
So, rather than look for financial bailouts maybe we should be looking for spiritual bailouts. We know that God forgives. Actually, in order to receive forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation you need to have contrition for your sin, go to confession, and make satisfaction for your sin. So it’s not as simple as a handout. You have to actively do something. I don’t think that’s any different than in the materialistic world either.