The pandemic clearly surfaces some deep cracks in the economic foundations of the world. We invite ourselves today to reflect on our personal economics and the impact our daily choices have on the greater common good. The following “Economic Justice Examen” was prompted and published by two beautiful spirits in Seattle, Washington: Kelly Hickman and Samantha Yanity. Grateful for their wisdom, we offer this “adapted” version for your reflection and prayer.
“I am because we are, and we are because I am.”
—African Proverb ubuntu
1. Begin by acknowledging Spirit’s presence. Take time to quiet yourself and look inward. Take a couple of slow, deep breaths. Become aware of your presence in Spirit. Invite an intention to see as Spirit sees.
Pause. Allow yourself to become fully aware of Spirit’s presence in the world.
2. Enlightened by the Spirit, begin with a prayer of gratitude. Consider:
Where do you see Spirit’s grace in your economic circumstances?
Where do you see abundance rather than scarcity in your life?
What economic learnings in your life are you most grateful for?
Pause and reflect.
3. Pay attention to your emotions and reactions. Prayerfully go deeper and reflect closely on what emotions arise within you as you reflect:
What is the experience of people who are most vulnerable and often marginalized by poverty?
How can you draw closer to those pushed to the margins?
What energizes you as you reflect on economic justice?
What distracts you from fully contributing to economic justice?
Pause and reflect. Allow your honest reactions, emotions and desires to surface.
4. Host a conversation with Spirit. Recall the gratitude you named at the beginning of this examen. Hold that intention as you bring your emotions and reactions to Spirit.
What areas of your life as a consumer do you lament?
How might you consider relationship with money—no longer as your personal financial wealth—rather as “communal” to be shared for greater common good?
What economic realities do you rejoice in and celebrate as you value the common good?
What is Spirit’s desire for people who are marginalized by poverty?
Pause and reflect.
5. Look ahead to renewal and transformation.
In what ways might you adjust your choices to contribute to a more equitable economy?
How might you adjust your life to center and promote economic justice?
What inconvenience will you endure to recommit and contribute to the common good?
In light of this examen, what invitations in your daily choices will you carry in your heart and enact?
—adapted from A Matter of Spirit, Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center, Winter 2021
(For more information, see https://www.ipjc.org/.)
—Ann Jackson, PBVM, Prairiewoods spiritual services coordinator