Following the plagues of ages past and even the Spanish Flu epidemic of the last century, we only can catch glimpses of societal responses. Now, of course, we have organizations, such as Pew or Gallup, that measure responses to issues and problems.
People, by in large, are gloomy, primarily because of their economic situation. During the pandemic, in spite of cash payments and programs, the 2022 Pew survey found that 72% of Americans felt their economic situation had declined. It goes without saying that the wealthiest 1% only became wealthier.
Since 2022, the inflation rate has fallen significantly but the atmosphere of economic uncertainty still pervades. This is the case even as discount stores are still full of cheap goods made in the Third World. What’s striking about us Americans is that rather than working towards a more egalitarian society, we only seem to aspire to be wealthy. Is there something missing here?
Prayer for the Day
In spite of how we think we should act, we fail miserably,
Seeking satisfaction in feeding the poor rather than ending poverty
Seeing violence around us, we buy security systems for our homes
Rather than challenging the status quo.
Move us beyond our fears, O God, transforming us
Into a people who will help establish your realm of justice.
In the name of the One who shared your grace with all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Food and energy companies more than doubled their profits in 2022, paying out $257 billion to wealthy shareholders, while over 800 million people went to bed hungry.
- Oxfam International Report “Survival of the Richest,” January 2023
The social polarization that would ensue [from widening wealth inequality] would make Western societies resemble those of many Latin American countries, where gulfs in wealth and lifestyle are incredibly pronounced.
- Branco Milanovic, CUNY Graduate Center
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
Take words with you and return to the Lord; say to God:
Take away all guilt; accept that which is good,
And we will offer the fruit of our lips.
Hosea 14: 1-2