Show Notes
In this twenty-fifth week of “Ordinary” (or “Normal”) time, Case reflects on how Deuteronomy 8 reminds us that economic success is a gift from God.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
Welcome to today’s episode where we embark on a journey of faith, seeking wisdom, comfort, and direction. As we gather together, we invite God the Father to be our guide, to illuminate our paths with His divine light, and to fill our hearts with His boundless love. Whether you are seeking clarity in your own daily life or a deeper connection with the Creator, we believe that inviting God’s presence into this moment will lead us to a place of peace, understanding, and purpose. Let’s walk this path together with God as our trusted guide.
A reading from Deuteronomy chapter 8 verses 10 through 18.
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws, and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of a hard rock.
He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors as it is today.
Deuteronomy 8 reminds us that the ability to produce wealth and achieve economic success is not solely a result of human effort or ingenuity, but a gift from God. As the Israelites were about to enter the promised land, a place of abundance and opportunity, they were cautioned to remember that it was God who sustained them in the wilderness and who would enable their prosperity in the land. In any context of economic growth, it’s essential to acknowledge and depend on divine guidance, recognizing that the resources and opportunities we have are blessings entrusted to us by God. By keeping this perspective, communities can build economies rooted in humility, stewardship, and a deep sense of gratitude. God’s Word, especially in this passage, underscores the dangers of forgetting God in times of prosperity.
As the Israelites were warned not to become prideful or attribute their success to their own power, so too are we reminded that economic development should not lead to self-sufficiency that neglects the spiritual foundation of our lives. When communities achieve economic success, it’s crucial to maintain a posture of obedience and gratitude, ensuring that wealth and prosperity are used in ways that honor God and benefit everyone.
This passage calls for economic development that is not only sustainable and just, but also mindful of the need to continually recognize and give thanks for the divine source of all blessings.
A reading from the book of Hebrews, chapter seven, verses 23 to 28.
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our needs. One who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day. First for his own sins and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness. But the oath which came after the law appointed the son who has been made perfect forever.
And now a prayer for economic flourishing attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, you are the source of all abundance, the creator of the earth and all that is in it. We come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we seek to use the resources you have entrusted to us in ways that honor you and bring prosperity to all.
Help us to pursue economic flourishing that is just and equitable, mindful of the needs of the poor and respectful of the environment. May our work and enterprise reflect your love and care for every living being and may our prosperity be a testament to your goodness. Teach us to use our wealth wisely and generously that we may contribute to the common good and build a world where all can thrive.
We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
And finally, a reading from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10, beginning in verse 46.
When they came to Jericho, as Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?”Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
