WORKING TOGETHER: RECENT times have cast us in a poor light. Daily we hear a lengthy litany of political one-upmanship at a time when working together would be a better idea.
In the past we rallied around co-operative societies and helped to build a better local economy. In most communities the main purpose of economic development was to enable the young people to stay at home. The purpose of prosperity was to stay near your loved ones, not to finance the next holiday in the sun.
Foreign travel and cruises were once the dreams for the lag end of life but they are annual events now. Having drunk so deeply from the crucible of cupidity we have drunkenly forgotten the enterprise and solidarity of our neighbours.
The reason people gather to pray together on Sunday is to support and encourage each other. For people of prayer Sunday is the most important day, when we celebrate our communion with one another and with a God who loves and respects us. We then try to bring those values into our lives.
On a bigger scale, society likewise needs to rally together, work together and think together if we want to build a sustainable future. But we also have to ask what the purpose of our future is. Do you want a strong economy so your daughter can get employment locally or simply to buy a bigger car and a fancier suit?
Obvious as the question is, the answer is far from obvious. An honest look at our recent lives would suggest that the latter motive was common. We built our homes on the shifting sands of novelty and slowly lost sight of the need for firm foundations. We gained our goods but lost our souls. Now we stretch out our arms for a foreign investor to rescue us from our plight. We need a Messiah to restore that which is broken. Sadly, should such a Messiah appear in Ireland today, we would immediately oppose him or her!
Christian morality is based on a notion of the common good. We are expected to act in a manner that considers the needs of others and of the whole society. What was the moral basis of the Celtic Tiger? Did she believe her streak could secure its future by borrowing against her overpriced lair?
Yet she has talented cubs skilled in manufacturing computers and shoes. She has gifted craftsmen who can cut the finest crystal and cooks to prepare the finest foods. Why do we not appreciate our own talents? Why do we always wait for somebody else to come in and save us? When will we start encouraging these people to use their skills rather than simply sell them?
Our stories often tell us about a wise person seeking an answer and finding it in the utterances of a fool. Literature constantly points out that answers are more often found out of the mouths of children or some other innocent party. What Messiah would come to a place where the first reaction to everything is criticism?
We have spent too much energy criticising every government department, creed, church, organisation, party and union. Maybe now is the time to work together. Maybe using our wisdom and experience, our ethics and beliefs, our skills and gifts together we could build something better? Give a man a job and he works for that day; show confidence and hope in his skills and he'll probably employ your children. FMacE