Gospel Reflections for May 10 2015
Every mother at some point could quote Jesus in today’s Gospel whenever she might see some disagreement within her family.
Jesus looks at His followers, who often were at odds with each other, and then looks up to heaven to pray that “They may be one!” Every mother is happy when their family is united.
We can look at our nation today and wish for the same unity. There are deep divisions between police and minorities and between rich and poor, often expressed as “income inequality.” These are important issues to address; not just to complain about but rather to be creative in trying to solve them.
That creativity is precisely what Our Lord wants from His disciples then, and hopes in each of us today. He wants us to “go forth and bear fruit.” What does that mean?
Recently, I was invited to witness the graduation of college seniors at Chaminade University in Hawaii who had completed a training program in how to be an entrepreneur. They were graduating from the “Hogan School for Entrepreneurship” named after Ed and Lynn Hogan, whom we honored ourselves in our St. Paschal Golf Tournament a few years ago.
All of these students knew they were entering a difficult job market. However, none of these students were looking for a job. They were each creating jobs by starting companies that would provide jobs for many people! That is a big difference!
It was amazing to see so many young people who just could not wait for tomorrow to come! Unlike so many today, they look forward to the future.
What do entrepreneurs do? First, they see some large problem in the world that is causing distress. They then imaginatively spot a solution that will work, and a market opportunity to make that solution profitable and successful. They organize resources and people into a company that provides that solution to everyone at a fair price that provides jobs to their employees. A job means a family and we support families. How wonderful is that!
I love the business term “company.” The word itself affirms that an enterprise is a collection of human beings, perhaps driving in from many different places, to come together with a common purpose to do something good for society and their families. They become “one” for a good cause. Sounds like a Gospel solution to me!
Perhaps every school in America, from Baltimore, to Ferguson, to New York, to Los Angeles, should train young people, especially the poor, to become entrepreneurs. These new young entrepreneurs will look at the world with all of its many problems as so many opportunities to start companies of like-minded people that will improve the lives of everyone.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
In your paper on The Arab Spring you mention that young people are revolting because they can’t get jobs, and without jobs they cannot get married and raise a family. It sounds like your call for entrepreneurs applies there too.
I guess one of the issues in starting a business is how much cooperation or hindrance you get from the government. Maybe the first thing that an entrepreneur has to do is fight for a government that will support the idea of making a new business.
Yes, well said! There is actually an index of countries around the world that are ranked in terms of how difficult or easy it is to start a business.. It is called the GEDI Index which stands for Global Entrepreneurship Development Index. The United States is listed first. which explains why we remain the world’s economic superpower. What would be interesting is to see how each state ranks according to other states, e.g. California vs. Texas..
I just looked up the SBE index for states. It lists Texas as the third best for starting a business and California is ranked last.
That is very interesting. It might be a good study for me to try to discover the various factors that would cause Texas to be high and California to be so low in entrepreneurial possibilities.
Basically, it comes down to the tax rate for individuals, meaning possible employees, and the tax rate for business, meaning their ability to be profitable and stay in business. IT also depends on the amount of paperwork and red tape needed to be filed. For example, most Hollywood movies today are not made in Hollywood, but rather Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. These states have made it easy for studios to shoot there. It is actually cheaper to fly everyone to these states from California, than make the film here.
Thanks Father Dave, as always another insightful reflection! As your sabbatical winds down, can you give all of us some insight as to where your path will lead you in this summer and into the fall?
I had my final meeting with AB Gomez on Thursday and should hope to hear back soon.
The entrepreneurship program sounds very exciting. Checking the website, notice that Chaminade U. has a Women’s Soccer team. Will pass this on to our soccer team granddaughter completing her second year at Chaminade West Hills.
Any word for us re your upcoming assignments?
Grateful Blessings for all!
Bob and Rose Mary
Yes, the program at Chaminade is spectacular. I really recommend it. Beautiful chapel as well. I had my final meeting with AB Gomez on Thursday and so should hope to hear soon.
I have worked for large insurance companies for over the last 25 years that are primarily based in the east coast. I find the inner workings of a corporation very interesting. Just like the Gospel states it is very important for the leader of the organization to strive for unity among the employees despite the region of the country.
Money and jobs have been lost due to poor management and inability to communicate. The business model applies to our everyday lives. Mothers are managers of the family and have a lasting impact on their children’s ability to contribute to society.
The role of a mother should never be minimized. I heard on the news the salary for a stay at home mom is similiar to approximately $80,000!!
Thank you! That is great! If a mother’s salary could be measured in dollars like other laborers, we are surprised! But we know that what mothers contribute to the world is much more than can be measured in dollars. Look at Mary, Mother of God!
Mother’s are worth every penny!
Fr. Dave,
Thanks again for making the Gospel so relevant for today! I’m sending this to the entire family in hopes that one or more of them will recognize the opportunity and pursue it for the benefit of many!
God bless!
Larry,
Thanks for passing the article on. I have to say I was profoundly impressed at all of these young people who were so eager to create companies that would provide jobs for themselves and so many others.
Father Dave
What do you think is the most important role of a mother? How is that similar to Mary?
Thank you !!
Mary’s response at the weeding of CANA is the right response. “Do whatever Jesus tells you.”
We’ve been praying daily that your next assignment will be “just the right one” for you!
Bob and Rose Mary