Clearly, money is important. Our present economic difficulties are taking their toll, in many cases, a very painful toll, among the wealthy, the middle class, and the poor.

As a medium of exchange, money makes it possible for families and individuals to have food, shelter, and clothing; it also makes it possible for us to build, maintain, and repair churches.

Perhaps these are days during which we will reflect upon the role of money in our lives.  Jesus told the parable about the wealthy farmer who was foolishly preoccupied with planning for more storage space to "pile up" his assets.  That very night he was to die.  We are cautioned about living to "pile up" money.  As important as it is, it is a medium of exchange; it is meant to be used.  How do we use it?

Certainly, there are basic demands that absorb the resources of many, if not all of us.  Furthermore, the other-centeredness and generosity of so many people in this community present a contradiction to the selfishness to which human nature can be so prone.  A recently published book that speaks of 18 million people a year dying unnecessarily in underdeveloped countries is but one of many recurring reminders of the suffering and dthe needs that are around us and calling upon us.  Amidst so many unrelenting challenges, may God give us the wisdom and the patience to continue trying our best to be "Part of the Solution."