Denver Seminary

The colossal collapse of the U.S. financial system has dominated the news and the national conversation ever since the shocking revelation was made. Given the enormity and far reaching ramifications of the crisis, it could not be otherwise. The massive meltdown has not only occasioned the instant loss of an incredible amount of wealth, it has also dragged the global economy into a much feared recession. This sudden economic down turn has given rise to an atmosphere of uncertainty and nervousness. Understandably, many people, particularly those in or nearing retirement, have become apprehensive about the future. How will they survive with a big chunk of their hard earned life savings wiped out?

Keenly aware of the gravity of the situation, governments in various parts of the globe, bureaucrats, and experts in the fields of economics and finances have scrambled to find a way to plug the gaping hole. Public pronouncements by political figures, massive bailout packages, impressive photo ops, and cuts in interest rate have all been enlisted in the fight against the profuse bleeding. But judging by the erratic behavior of stock markets the world over, prevailing conditions seems resistant to all quick fix remedies and instant solutions. They are bent on running their courses.

This bleak situation however in no way means that doomsday has come or that there is no way up from the bottom of the deep hole. I am sure that a ladder will be found for the upward movement. But the climb may be steep, slow and dizzying. But because the recovery is likely to occur at such as slow pace, it can hardly be expected to be painless and casualty free. There are those who simply do not have the strength, endurance and fitness required to complete the uphill climb. They are the vulnerable among us. They will fall back to the bottom after climbing the first rungs of the ladder unless they are held by the stronger among us.

We need to be cognizant of this, because in uncertain and difficult days it is very easy for us to be so concerned about our own survival that we become oblivious to the suffering being endured by our fellow travelers. The inspiring biblical story that features Boaz, Ruth and Naomi provides an apt illustration of the kind of magnanimous spirit that can make a difference in these hard times. In moments like these the Boaz's among us need to be particularly mindful of the Ruth's and Naomi's that inhabit our world to ensure that they have a chance to complete the difficult journey with us.