ANNOUNCING FREEDOM

Reading the New Testament with a focus on Jesus announcing freedom from oppression has recently come under attack. Liberation Theology, couples the proclamation of victory over sin and death, with the good news that God is sending mercy upon the poor. It should be no wonder such an approach is under attack by the wealthy in our society. The rich can offer their wealth as proof of God’s favor; and consider the plight of the poor as God’s judgment. But the New Testament, and particularly Jesus, does not support that approach.

Throughout the Advent Season, the people of the Christian faith will sing the song of Mary (recorded in the first chapter of Luke):
47. “My Soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in
God my Savior,
For he has looked with favor
on the lowliness of his servant…..
53. He has filled the hungry with
Good things
And sent the rich away
Empty”.

Although we hear how personal Mary’s response is to the announcement of Jesus’ impending birth; the Good News is for all the lowly. And later, Jesus himself will announce the same Good News when he says:
“Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied” (Luke 6:20)

The Gospels leave little doubt that the liberation of those trapped in poverty and hunger is the will of God. And that the disciples of Jesus are called to advance that cause. Remembering that Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Financial Recovery?

Have you noticed how well the financial recovery is going? Since the crash in 2007-2008 the stock market has bounced back to over 11,000. You may have also observed that there are nice profits for major corporations. These signs of recovery are made possible by the tax cuts enacted under the last administration; tax cuts and TARP (bail-out) also signed by President Bush. These financial institutions are leading the way in buying back their own stock; and thereby increasing the value of their personal fortunes.

One argument for the extension of the tax cuts is that the wealthy will spend their extra money on jobs for the middle class. Problem is that this is not happening. In fact, for the decade that these cuts have been in effect we have seen a net loss in jobs. Giving tax cuts to the wealthy in order to create jobs has been a disastrous deception. The top 2% of Americans is accumulating more and more of the country’s wealth. At the same time the majority suffer.

If the take-home pay of the middle class is increased there is no doubt that the money will be spent; and therefore circulate throughout the economy. The overwhelming majority of Americans are living (month to month) on their pay check.

The compassion of Jesus calls for an equal distribution of the blessings provided to this country. Only when all people are seen as brothers and sisters will the justice of God become our national policy. Gross inequality must be labeled what it is, "unjust". Jesus said: “No slave can serve two masters; for the slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Luke 16:13)