While economic output is commonly known as the GDP (gross domestic product) of nations and is the key metric for measuring productivity or output of economies, it is God’s divine providence (what I’d call real GDP) that truly governs the ultimate outcome of any world economic scenario.
If we hope to see improving human conditions and healthy economies around the world, Christians must lead the way with the proclamation of the redemptive path to the truth. This is what will guide governments and business practices in solidarity around the world. To live in this way means having confidence in God’s divine providence to inspire creativity, respectful relations, and healthy economic growth.
Pope Francis’ recent meeting with the Iranian president is an example of his grass roots efforts to bring God’s providence into practice with a country at odds with many nations. But you and I can do the same things individually, on a micro level in our everyday business practices.
Catholicism is the universal faith and its contemplative practices guide us into unification – a true communion—not only with our creator, but also with other cultures and nations around the world.
To the degree we pray and strive to live our faith, we become part of Christ’s mystical body. And it is this the mystical experience with Christ that sets the flames of love on fire in one’s heart. It unifies our humanity with His divinity, and ultimately leads to mutual respect, commonality, and strong communities.
Charity—Divine love, the same love shared among the persons of the Holy Trinity— is also love shared in service with one another, and is the binding force that brings us together! If we want to see healthy world economic growth, it must be founded on the basis of divine economics and the virtues born of contemplating and living the truths of our faith.
So how do we become more contemplative in this world of high-speed technology and instant communications?
In a nutshell, we must practice the fundamentals of the faith well.
My Number One suggestion is the rosary! The mystical body of Christ comprises many individual mystical body parts. Knowing our blessed mother, Mary, through Marian devotion, that is, truly meditating on the mysteries of the rosary is the solution! It puts us in a place of peace with the “queen of peace.” Mary is queen of the Church and all the heavens, she enables us to open the eyes and ears of our hearts through deeper understanding and belief in the mysteries of the faith. The more we come to know the mystery of faith, the more God reveals our purpose and participation – our true vocation in His divine plan.
Help for your household too
You might be wondering how this helps your household, or how it helps you as an individual contributor to reach your financial goals, or how this will help you gain a competitive advantage in your business?
As we continue to see the world become a global economy with increasing complexities, confusion, and shifting forces of power, courageous Christians must stand out in faith!
We are suppose to be contrarians, and if we practice the principles of the faith well, the Holy Spirit will endow us with the gifts and fruits of His spirit: Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom, Good Council, Humility, Respect, Peace, Joy, Hope, Love, Generosity, Patience, Empathy, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self Control.
Could you imagine a corporation that embraces and makes a concerted effort to teach and live these values?
While it might be hard to find a corporation that follows these traits, you can certainly look for individuals that hold these values dear to their hearts in the way they conduct their businesses.
A priest once said, “show me the perfect church or organization for that matter, we will join it and make it imperfect!”
We as Catholics truly need to make it our duty—our salvation always and everywhere—to know and live the universal faith: God’s love story to the human race. When we do so, the divine laws of His nature will create symbiotic relationship in our lives that will perpetuate His good nature with those whom we work with in our daily vocations.
——————————–
Marty Troiani is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, a parishioner of St. Joan of Arc parish in San Ramon, CA, a Knights of Columbus – 4th Degree Member, and an adult “Light” Life Teen Leader. He may be reached at marty@catholicbusinessjournal.biz
Faith and the corporate cubicle!
Bravo, Marty! Thank yoou for this vert wise and profoundly simple and insightful challenge to raise the faith bar in the corporate cubicle!