PSALM OF MONEY

PSALM OF MONEY

In earliest days humanity lived by killing:

ancient paintings in caves show the food they hunted,

and then, they lived in settled families:

they learned to nurture animals,and took food from mother earth.

When industries began, people crowded in towns:

inhuman conditions created by work in the factories,

later, they looked for caring communities:

even providing the work was part of a caring society.

Today we believe in money, it makes things happen:

the ten pound note is important, more than people;

yet we know only some investments are ethical:

we see the environment needs to be cared for.

Primitive instincts are all around us:

money drives us to greed and the desire to make a killing,

but riches can be a snare and not bring happiness:

it's still the love of money that's the root of evil.

We should beware of making money:

my greed will lead to another's need.

There are better signs of enjoyment than cash:

riches do not buy love or friendship or time;

for a friend who is bought is not a friend indeed:

being loved by another person doesn't depend on my wealth,

wages may purchase my labour, but not my loyalty:

the most important things in all our lives are free!

We can't pay for health or wisdom:

happiness and faith are gifts that come from God.

So, God, help me grow from being a predator to become a nurturer:

to be grateful day by day for what is sufficient for living;

teach us to accept the offerings that nature gives us:

but not to expect her continual sacrifices;

show us how to use money as a measure of vitality:

to avoid the worship of Mammon by finding our hope in you.