THE DISEASE OF THE SOUL

THE DISEASE OF THE SOUL

“Worldwide, the general consensus is that government efforts to stop corruption are not effective and that corruption will increase in the near future.” (Global Corruption Barometer Report, Transparency International, 2007) We know that it is the poorest and most vulnerable people who suffer the most as a result of bribery. Our scripture teaches us about God's concern for the poor and His desire for justice as reflected in the liberation of Israelites from slavery and oppression in Egypt (Exodus 3:7–8); the Mosaic laws and institutions (Deuteronomy 14:28–29; Leviticus 9:9–10); the prophets who denounced not only idolatry but also political, economic oppression and injustice (Isaiah 58:6–7; Amos 5:21–24; Micah 2:2).

Jesus identifies with the poor in very special ways (Luke 4:18–19; Matthew 25; Luke 16: 1- 13). His encounter with Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-9) is probably the most defining moment of how Jesus responded to corruption. When Jesus proclaimed, “Today salvation has come into this house,” Zacchaeus went about sharing half of his wealth with the poor and returned four times the money of all whom he had cheated. The whole town was amazed at this transformation. Corruption is a disease of the soul and only an encounter with Jesus can transform the individual and the society.

Interserve serves the nation by modeling integrity in professions and businesses. We uphold the ethos of personal suffering while asserting legal rights. We identify with the poor and marginalized and respond with compassion and love. We pray through difficult situations and struggle with our own weaknesses. We encounter Jesus daily to transform our lives and serve those among whom we live bringing transformation to the nation. John Amalraj

2011, Issue III, INFOCUS

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