There are some phrases that stand out in my mind :
‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you...Jesus is now in the presence of God on our behalf ....He opened for us this new and living way...Let us approach with sincere hearts, cleansed from a bad conscience...You shall be witnesses’
In what way are we called to witness to good news? The media are sending multi-messages of bad news – corruption in business and government; lack of truthfulness even in the church; greed and profit making taking precedence over the rights of ordinary people, especially in international trade.
Today is also Jubilee Sunday. Jubilee takes its meaning from the Jewish tradition of ‘cancelling debts’ and the ownership of land every 50 years. It is not clear how well it was put into practice.
What we see today is a collapse of world economic systems due to banks and financial institutions buying and selling debt, and hiding the truth. The housing mortgages in USA and collapse of Greece finances are linked, but they are part of risky business that has been crippling developing countries for years. Most ordinary people do not realise what is happening.
The Jubilee Debt Movement is trying to inform us about Vulture Funds. For example, in 1979, the Zambian government was given a credit of $15,000,000 for agricultural machinery and vehicles from Romania. Some of the equipment was faulty; some did not arrive. Zambia did not pay. By 1999, Zambia applied for International Debt relief. Meanwhile, Donegal International, a company, bought this debt – paying $3,300,000 for a debt now valued at $30,000,000. This company then sued Zambia in the UK High Court, asking that Zambia pay the compound interest value, now $55,000,000 in 2006. The judge ruled that Zambia should pay $15,000,000. Money that could have been spent on education and health went instead to Donegal International. This was a ‘good return’ for investors; a ‘bad return’ for the people of Zambia. I wonder how many of the shareholders knew.
The power of the Holy Spirit can work through ordinary people in financial and political institutions; a new and living way is possible – sincere hearts cleansed from bad consciences – Vulture funds reformed - the poor will go home rejoicing.
Jesus ascended ‘into heaven’ giving his friends a task – to be his witnesses and do his work down through the centuries .
To think globally – to wait for the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit – to act locally.
Sr Rose Mary Kinne op
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