When the disciple John tells Jesus that they had tried to stop someone who was not a disciple performing a miracle in the Lord’s name, Jesus tells him that they were wrong to try to stop this. Jesus challenges us to accept a wide variety of workers in his name and for us to collaborate with people from different faiths (and indeed none) who share a common purpose. United as children of the living God, each one created in God’s image, we realise that each and every person is entitled to adequate shelter, food and education. Christians find themselves in common cause and endeavour with all others who work to ensure that everyone has liberty, the right to have a family, the right to religious expression and freedom of conscience. Christians are in solidarity with all who seek to improve prospects of good employment and raise the living standards of those most in need. There can be no doubt that Jesus wanted his followers to look after the vulnerable and he would surely bless the work of anyone who encourages us to act justly and to walk in love and respect for all people.
Out of the suffering in the coronavirus pandemic emerged so many positive examples of communities coming together to look after each other, keeping an eye on those living alone or struggling. We were all lost in admiration for the bravery and dedication of our health care workers.
In a message to the World Bank and IMF recently, Pope Francis told delegates that the essential end and objective of all economic life should be the universal common good. We join our prayers with his that governments and all organisations which can effect positive change, work towards “a future where finance is at the service of the common good, where the vulnerable and the marginalized are placed at the centre, and where the earth, our common home, is well cared for”.