1. INTRODUCTION

This material is intended to be a short guide for carrying out the annual financial reflection (Christian communion of goods), first personally and then as a group.

This reflection cannot be done outside the Personal Christian Life Project, since this tool is what helps us to consider, in a more concrete way, how our life is becoming more like that of Jesus Christ, thus enabling us to be more useful instruments in the building of the Kingdom of God.

It is an attempt at conversion to help change our mindset. So that we can move from: “How much do I have to pay?” to “How much can I, should I, and am I willing to share?”

Or to move from: “I’ve always done it differently” to “This is the way all the members of the Movement have decided to do the reflection, and that’s how I’ll do it.”

  1. – What is Christian Communion of Goods?

In today’s world, with its economic and social situation, the Christian communion of goods should be a requirement for everyone. The needy and the poor must participate in the goods of creation, with everyone collaborating in their development and fair distribution. In a society such as ours, which is socially unequal, culturally pluralistic, and religiously secular, it is urgent and necessary to speak of the universal destination of goods, to which every person has a right. It is urgent to collaborate in a more fraternal, more symmetrical, more human-divine model, collaborating in the creation of goods, their communion, and, where appropriate, demanding their just distribution: each according to their possibilities, to each according to their needs.

We must contribute to promoting a culture of communion above all differences of race, culture, or creed. Therefore, pastoral action cannot dispense with this gesture that sacramentalizes the communion of the one Church, which walks, preparing the one common table of the Kingdom, where all sit around Jesus the Lord. Christian communion of goods is the leaven of the new creation and is preparing to walk through history along the paths that lead to its consummation, when the Son will hand over the Kingdom to the Father, to the praise of the glory of his grace.

Yolanda González Domínguez, theologian.

 

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7

They were all together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to provide for the needs of all, and day by day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and finding favor in the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who loved him. Acts 2:46-47

Christian Communion of Goods

To make this reflection, the most important thing is the personal conditions with which we must begin with:

  • Generosity: to be able to share without putting up “initial barriers” in our reflection. But also generosity to understand that a large community is making this reflection of people with different personal histories and journeys of faith. Broad-mindedness at this moment can be very beneficial for everyone.

In our context, we must be able to reflect our context, encompassing all facets of our lives, so that nothing is left out of the reflection. Financial sharing with Pax Romana must be in harmony with other moments of “sharing” in our daily lives.

If our financial sharing leaves Pax Romana in last place, this may be due to a lack of involvement and commitment to the sustainability of the Movement.

Similarly, suppose our economic sharing is almost exclusively limited to Pax Romana. In that case, this may mean an imbalance in our ecclesial and social life, in our commitment to the Church and the world, since many realities need your communion in economic matters, among other dimensions of your life.

Questioning: We need to question ourselves personally, without deceiving ourselves. And we must ask and allow ourselves to be challenged by our life team, by our movement, understanding that we do all this to grow in unity and communion. And we must question ourselves with love, with a willingness to build and grow.

Joy and responsibility: our reflection should be joyful, not something imposed on us. We should live as a gift the opportunity to participate in the distribution of the wealth that exists in this world in which we live. And also, with the responsibility that God has given us to make this world more just through our small daily actions.

  1. – How much do I have to contribute?

This often becomes the big question. The first answers to this question are again questions: How much do you have? What do you do with what you have? When we talk about contributing, do you mean money, time, effort, gifts, or virtues? Personal contribution or diocesan contribution? Why do I have to contribute? What is done with my contribution?

In other words, there is no answer to this question unless we ask ourselves and share it with our team, at a general level. To carry out this personal reflection, we must follow a series of steps that allow for common reflection and, therefore, common sharing.

4.- Financial sharing should arise from personal reflection and prayer.

It should be an integral part of the Personal Christian Life Project (PPVC), which should include sharing with the poorest of the earth, with NGOs, with my community of life, with Pax Romana on a personal/general level, with the Church, with the parish… And from values such as unlimited trust in the Father, the gratuitousness of our actions, affective and effective solidarity among believers and towards the poor, the communion of goods, of life, and action, austerity in our lifestyle, and the renunciation of hedonism and consumerism.

We must share this reflection within our life team.

We must share our lives in our life team; also, our communion of goods, our “sharing.” We must allow the Father to challenge us. And we must let our team challenge us, in an atmosphere of co-responsibility, trust, and generosity, while at the same time challenging others to help them grow and become a community of Christian life.

Balance between my needs and the needs of the world, of the Church, of Pax Romana, etc.

We are part of our world and our Church, realities in which good and evil coexist. As Christians, we live with our lives open to others. We share our bread, our work… always considering the needs of those around us, so that we do not come to think that our own needs are inexhaustible.

This is the attitude we must have towards our Association.

We need to seek a balance between our lives, our needs, and what the Association needs to achieve the objectives we set ourselves. The reality of Pax Romana must be considered in our reflection on economic sharing. To this end, we must examine the budgets of our Association at all levels (group, local, regional, and international movement) to achieve the objectives we set for ourselves. We must be motivated to learn about the reality of Pax Romana. Otherwise, the budgets will be mere amounts of money, rather than a means for evangelizing the world.

Questioning and sharing within the teams.

We will share each person’s reflections and contributions. Sharing is necessary, but questioning is also required. The result of this work will be a contribution to both the group and general budgets.

Questioning and sharing at the general level.

As in the teams, this sharing and questioning must take place at the international level among the federations. The result of this work will be the contribution of all at the global level.

  1. – Methodology

This reflection material has been prepared for this year, updating the economic data.

As members of Pax Romana, we are called to reflect on this personally and in our teams.

The results of the reflection will be sent to the International Treasurer and Secretary General, who will draw up a summary of the proposals received and the budget for the team or group and submit it to the Assembly for approval.

Suggestions for carrying out the work in teams or base communities, and later discuss in the linguistic group on October 19, making proposals and suggestions.

  1. SEE
  2. Local team or community level:

We will begin by assessing the financial situation. Analyze the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account for the last financial year. As well as the BUDGET for the following financial year.

The Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account of Pax Romana, as well as the budget for the following year, were approved by the management team.

We will also attach the contribution schedule, with an estimate of the contribution made by each member, as well as an overall average.

Example: TABLE 1:

Country or Team No. of members Contribution per member

Solasbide 10 people international fee 600, European fee 400. Per member 150 €/person.

TOTAL X, XXX members xx,xxxx

Average contribution per member xx,xx

The average contribution per member to the maintenance of the Association (international level) is XX, XX.

The amount that each member should contribute to support Pax Romana (international level) in an autonomous and self-managed manner, without depending on subsidies of any kind, is XXX.XX €

  1. SEE
  2. Personal level:

What are my assets?

At this point, we will conduct a sincere and thorough analysis of our assets.

This is not about becoming “controllers” of ourselves, but we must analyze our reality to assess where and how we allocate our material assets on a personal level.

It is necessary to be as specific as possible, since the subsequent encounter with the Word of God, in the “Judging” stage, will be more enriching and the commitments will be very concrete; thus, we will be faithful to the methodology.

This short questionnaire can help you to carry out this analysis.

  • What are my sources of income (salary, pension, rent, family allowance, etc.)? How much money do I receive each month?
  • With whom do I currently share my income (family, NGOs, parish, friends, etc.)? How much do I share each month?
  • What material goods do I have (house, apartment, car, motorcycle, farm, etc.)?
  • With whom do I share these material goods? In what way?
  • What are my needs? How do I use my money?

 

III. JUDGE

One aspect of reflection is the financial commitment of each member

of Pax Romana to the team, continental, and general budgets.

This new model, which is more demanding in terms of personal reflection and sharing

Within the group and at the international level, it encourages each person to contribute according to their situation, considering the demands that every believer has on themselves and on the ecclesial mediations to which they are linked.

  • This being true, the Management Team recommends PROPOSING a guideline amount for the contribution ofeach member, as many of them requested this to make their financial participation more appropriate to their needs.

 

  • Similarly, it was recommended that youth groups be encouraged to make a symbolic yet consistent and regular contribution. The goal is to educate them about sustainability.

 

For reflection, enlightened by the Word of God.

“Looking up, he saw some rich people putting their gifts into the treasury. He also saw a poor widow there putting in two small coins. He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’”Luke 21:1-4

“The disciples decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, each according to his ability.” Acts 11:29

Other texts that can help you discover what Jesus is calling you to do and to know

how to answer the “framework” question of Judging: “Lord, what do you want from me?”

  • What do you want from me in this area?
  • How do you want my contribution, my generosity… my sacrifice to be?
  • How should my material commitment to the Church, to Pax Romana, be?

“Give to those who ask you, and do not turn away from those who want to borrow from you.

Mt. 5:42

“Do not store up treasures on earth, where moths and rust consume them, and thieves break in and steal them. Instead, store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Mt. 6:19-21

“Do not worry, then, saying, ‘What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear?’” It is the pagans who run after these things. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Mt. 6:31-33

“Then Jesus called his disciples and said to them, ‘I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint on the way. ‘The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in this deserted place to feed so many people? Jesus said to them, ‘How many loaves do you have? They replied, ‘Seven and a few fishes.’ He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground, then took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to the disciples. They distributed them to the crowd. Everyone ate until they were full, and the pieces that were left over filled seven baskets. Those who ate were four thousand men, not counting women and children.

Mt. 15:32-38

“Then a man came up to him and asked, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments. ” Which ones?“ the man asked. Jesus replied,” You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At that statement of Jesus, the young man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Mt. 19:16-22

“The kingdom of heaven is also like a man who, going on a journey, called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and another one, to each according to his ability; and then he went away. Immediately, the one who had received five talents went and traded with them and gained five more. In the same way, the one who received two gained two more, but the one who received one dug a hole and buried his master’s money. After a long time, the master returned and settled accounts with his servants. The one who had received the five talents came forward and presented five more. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents; here are the five more that I have earned. ‘ ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’ his master said. ‘Since you have been faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Then the one who had received two talents came forward. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents. Here are the two more that I have earned.’ ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’ he said. ‘Since you have been faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Then the one who had received one talent came. ‘Sir,’ he said, ‘I know you are a hard man, harvesting what you did not sow and gathering what you did not scatter. That is why I was afraid and went out and buried your talent. Here is what you have given me. “

But his master replied,” You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed, you should have put my money in the bank, and on my return, I would have received it back with interest.

Take the talent away from him and give it to the one who has ten, for to those who have, more will be provided, and they will have an abundance; but from those who do not have, even what they have will be taken away. Throw this worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mt. .25, 14-30

No servant can serve two masters, for he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Lk. 16, 13

 

In the Church, some have been appointed by God, first of all, as apostles; secondly, as prophets; thirdly, as teachers. Then come those who have received the gift of miracles, the gift of healing, the gift of helping those in need, the gift of governing, and the gift of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all have the gift of tongues or the gift of interpreting tongues? But you should strive for the greater gifts. And now I will show you a still more excellent way. 1 Cor. 12:28-31

It is not a matter of you suffering hardship so that others may live in abundance, but of there being equality. In the present case, your abundance supplies their need, so that one day their abundance may supply your need. In this way, there will be equality, under what Scripture says: Those who gathered much did not have too much, and those who gathered little did not suffer shortage. 2 Cor. 8:13-15

Each one should give according to what he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7

Some “calls” that the Word of God invites me to discover:

  • How can we understand, in the light of the Gospel, the “Christian communion of goods”?
  • What traits or characteristics that you can adapt to your life and that have challenged you have you discovered in the Word of God?
  • What specific and personal “calls and challenges” do I discover in the texts?
  • What must I change so that my life, my ‘sharing’ with my life team, may walk in the path of an authentic “Christian communion of goods”?

 

Characteristics of budgets

These are operating budgets because they are intended to meet the basic needs for the sustenance of the International Organization, to cover the minimum activities that are necessary to carry out the tasks that the Association, as such, proposes to carry out.

We believe that budgeting based on the activities to be carried out rather than on estimated income is a positive and necessary practice, since we must not forget that we want to continue growing in terms of formation, evangelization, spirituality, presence, etc., and that this requires human and financial resources. However, what the budget does reflect is that it is based on a PASTORAL practice. These are entirely AUSTERE budgets: the expenses are the minimum that an organization such as ours should have. These budgets are intended to be SOLIDARITY-BASED.

 

For this reason, the “dues” system is not entirely ideal. The intention is that contributions be voluntary, according to the possibilities of each member and their availability, in good conscience and always subject to review.

For this reason, which implies generous solidarity, the specific financial contribution must be part of the Personal Christian Life Project.

  1. ACT

Because of the financial situation of the international movement, and by analyzing your resources. And after reading and allowing ourselves to be enlightened by the texts of the Word of God in the Judging section, we propose that you reflect on the following questions:

On an individual level:

1- Seek a commitment to personal conversion in this area. A goal that will change your habits, your financial contributions, and your way of seeing your life team. The aim is to become an authentic “Christian Community of Goods.”

This commitment and goal that arise from the calls discovered in the Judging section should be incorporated as a reflection and “action” in your Personal Christian Life Project.

2- What will your contribution be for the next year?

(Remember that it is advisable to make a financial commitment according to your capacity.) We also recommend that you make your contribution regularly.

At the Team or Group, Country, Continent, and international levels:

3- What will be your contribution for the next fiscal year?

Remember the importance of communicating well in advance the amount you plan to contribute, as well as when you will do so.

4- Do you see a need to increase or decrease the contribution we make as a Team? Why?

  1. a) Ideas for allocating the “Solidarity Fund” and for managing our accounts in a more socially responsible manner.
  2. b) Possible actions and initiatives to generate more income and contributions for the pastoral and evangelizing work of Pax Romana. At all levels: personal, country, regional, and global.
  3. c) Do you have any other suggestions, initiatives, or ideas of a financial nature that you would like to share?

Now is the time to do so!