The modern society is
characterized by the abnormal suffering, absolute poverty, unimaginable cost of
living and higher levels of manipulation. The intentional or unintentional
application of psychology to intoxicate the minds of the poor and the search
for quick metaphysical interventions has in vain tried to enable achievement of
their daily needs and desires.
The foot-on-door techniques
to struggle for what cannot be found, has been like a life-trial to produce
juice out of the stone, which will cost us much if we do not open our extrinsic
and intrinsic eyes. The poor are the most vulnerable to this threat.
People have made abnormal profits in the miracle business, having
conquered a certain sample groups. These can be composed of the poor, the
jobless and co-partners in the business. The tendency to recourse to miracles
and denouncing work in the mask of “God will provide”, will not help us. Many
have been exploited, abused sexually, confused to their overwhelming
expectations of quick returns from God.it is painful that even the little they
had has been taken away from them by the money hungry minister. Much time has
been devoted to prayers, day and night, but the world is getting tougher. The
reflection question is; should we continue to pray or should we not pray? I am
convinced that we should continue to pray but we need a balance between prayer
and work ‘ora et
labora’.
Dedication is also an
important factor in one’s life. The forms of dedication are vast but let us
talk about time. In this case, how is the dedication to the families nowadays.
Marriages are breaking up, children are getting out of hand, and many other
instances; we should ask ourselves first, how much time do we dedicate to be
with our families? These persistent social problems should teach us to think
and operate ethically.
This is not to render God
powerless or an old man who cannot do anything helpless. God is always with us
and his mercy transcends humans’. The Bible tells us that no greater sign will
be given rather than that of Jonah. May God encourage us to double our efforts
in the acts of praying and working so as to actualise what we aspire for; in
love, fraternal correction and commitment as responsible citizens.
By Justus Namanya