A small nation has experienced civil war for nearly three decades. The country’s economy is so bad, that many people do not have enough to eat, schools look deserted, unemployment is high, and citizens are fleeing to greener pastures. Yet, there is a religious place where people throng and fill the coffers. The wealth in cash, gold, and other precious items is more than government treasuries. The religious leaders could change the country’s economy and benefit the people, however, they protect the possessions, prestige, and pride of the religious place. Even the religious authorities demand security from the government for the wealth, for which they refuse to pay the cost.
Stewardship: In the Parable of the Talents, the man given one talent was not smart but stupid. He did the hard work of exploring the open fields in the night to find an appropriate place to bury his talent. Probably, he did several nights to deposit and followed it with night vigils. Sadly, he was rejected, and punished and what he had was snatched. (Matthew 25:14-30) The religious leaders of that nation also buried the wealth of the people of the nation from human eyes and touch, unused and unutilized.
Scripture: Like the Bible, much religious literature does not teach equality, fraternity, human dignity, generosity, and care for the abandoned, marginalized, migrants, and poor. Mostly, promotes rituals and traditions that are not beneficial to people, and at times it is a criminal waste.
Saints: The Bible equips the saints to do good works that bless others, release the bonded, liberate the slaves, balm the injured, care for the sick, provide for orphans, take care of widows, speak for the voiceless, alleviate sufferings, educate children, and contribute to the progress of society. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Samaritans: Like the Good, Great, and Godly Samaritan, Christians are called to engage with those who are at risk, vulnerable, beaten, robbed, and abandoned. Hence, the history is full of accounts of how the Church brought light, succor, and transformation to millions in several nations in the world.
Am I equipped to do all the good work?