Peace and Prosperity

For Illustration Friday: Poof!

Having struggled a bit this week with a case of "more month at the end of the money", I think about the poor and those who chose poverty for a greater purpose. My thoughts and prayers go out to them both. I think of the wishes we have for peace and prosperity and wonder if the two really walk together. One would have to think of the joy of St. Francis, who embraced "Lady Poverty" as a privileged state in which to serve God and others.

As scripture states in Luke 12:48 "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." I'm sure that the demands on the prosperous are many, whether they fulfill those demands or not. I personally know many business owners whose thoughts are consumed obsessively only with their accounting, with little thought for those in need. I contrast that in my mind with poor Francis and the little brothers. How great must have been their peace and prosperity before God.