Capital is Much More than Money
by Bishop John E. Privett
Dear Friends,
We are in the midst of a serious economic recession that some liken to the Great Depression of the 1930's. We are witnessing a shaking of confidence in our financial institutions, the collapse in some sectors of the auto industry that would have been unthinkable a few years ago, a slow down in the oil sands project, closures in the BC logging industry and a serious rise in unemployment across the country. Many have seen their retirement income seriously compromised by losses in the stock market. As I write this we are hearing of the emergence of "Swine Flu" that is rapidly spreading around the world. It will contribute further to a beleaguered economy and an anxious world. We have heard much said about "capital" in recent months. There has been a serious shortage of "capital" and a loss of "capital" in many sectors; some of us have seen our own "capital" diminished. This use of the word "capital" almost always refers to money, which is the core value of the capitalist economy.
But "capital" can refer to more than money — much more. Of course we need money to live on, to survive, to ensure smooth running communities and churches. But to do more than survive, to thrive as human beings and as communities of people, we need social and spiritual capital. That is, we need those non-monetary riches that enable us to face difficult challenges in our lives and to enhance the quality of life of those around us. When we experience a death in our family and neighbours knock on the door with food for our many visitors and us; that is social capital. When a community faces a major forest fire, and volunteers line up to provide food, shelter, and transportation; that is social capital. When we lose a job and a friend listens to our distress, offers us a place to stay, and assists with a job search, that is capital that is priceless. When we are ill and someone visits us and offers to pray for us, that is social and spiritual capital. It was such capital that allowed many to survive the "dirty thirties" and to do so with a sense of dignity and hope. Many who lived through those years have never forgotten the value of this kind of priceless capital that strengthens community and supports those who are most in need.
May 31 is Pentecost Sunday. Sometimes called the birthday of the Church, it is a day we give thanks to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the lives of Christian people. There is much written about the Holy Spirit, but in a nutshell the Holy Spirit is the gift of the life-breath of Jesus in our midst. Whenever we see, hear, and touch the Spirit of Jesus in others we have experienced the Holy Spirit. Whenever we have known in our own hearts the Spirit of Jesus then we have encountered the Holy Spirit. That is spiritual capital! When we embrace and embody the care and concerns of Jesus in the Church and in the world then we are building spiritual capital. When we love God with all our hearts and our neighbours as ourselves; when we seek to serve the hungry, the homeless, the sick and the suffering in the name of Jesus; when we pray for the needs of the world and when we offer ourselves for God's purposes, then we are receiving and building spiritual capital. It is such spiritual capital that builds community, encourages individuals, and strengthens the bonds of relationship by which our common life is enriched immeasurably.
We face challenging times. As the economic conditions cause hardship and distress, in my view, we have an opportunity to recover and to develop those other kinds of capital, which will strengthen our lives and our communities and enable us to face the challenges with hope and courage.
Faithfully, +John
