I don’t often reference my professional work here, but this Lent I’m offering a free six-week group devotional series on our relationship with God, money, and the things we rely on for security. Registration details are linked below for those who are interested.
A Six-Week Lenten Journey
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”
(John 9:1-4)
For many years, my work has brought me alongside people contemplating retirement — some still years away, others facing an imminent departure from work.
A common element among many is financial stress and despair. Often, this has little to do with salaries, retirement savings, or even financial expertise.
Why do we experience financial stress?
Those struggling financially can be tempted to believe their stress is due solely to personal shortcomings or unlucky economic events.
And, if we have an abundance of financial resources, there’s the trap of believing our prosperity is due solely to our own hard work, financial expertise, and spiritual merit.
Both these scenarios are not so different than the disciples’ assumption in John 9 that a man was born blind due to sin. Jesus corrected them, saying the man was born blind “so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”
Can this concept apply to our finances too?
You are not alone
This Lenten study had a decidedly non-financial beginning. In July 2024, I attended just one day of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.
That day began with Mass in Lucas Oil Stadium. I arrived early, and as I sat gazing at the crowd of 30,000, I felt overwhelmed. For a moment, life’s cares dropped away, and four words came to mind: “You are not alone.”
After Mass, Monsignor James Shea challenged the crowd: “The central question of every human life is this: Where will I go for my sustenance? Will I go to the only possible source – God?”
His words had a lasting impact on me. He left me contemplating how I live and the choices I make, including my relationship with money.
Over the years, I’ve learned to pay attention to the coincidences in life. After the Congress, it seemed that wherever I turned, the concept of Christian virtues kept popping up: In my reading, on the radio, in podcasts and homilies.
Applying these reconsidered virtues to my life is making a significant difference. Not in how much wealth or stuff I have, but in understanding that my appetite for possessions and dollars will never satisfy the God-hunger in my soul.
Good food or poison
That leads to the question, how do I transform my relationship with money and things in a way that honors God and my purpose as His creation? As Monsignor James Shea asked, “Will I eat good food or poison?”
I understand that this quest for virtuous financial living is a lifetime journey. It requires perseverance. And it’s better when we don’t walk alone.
Six virtues for the journey
Please consider joining me on this Lenten journey, where we’ll focus on six virtues that can reshape our relationship with God, money, and things. It’s a pilgrimage to good food – to real food.
- Registration and details are available at My Penny Earned