Monsignor Silvio Baez invited businessmen not to continue being accomplices in the crimes of those who hold power, and to contribute to the construction of a just society with respect for human dignity.
“Today there are many rich people like Zacchaeus, who, living under the protection of political power, have increased their wealth and have become accomplices in the crimes of the powerful,” the prelate deplored during his homily this Sunday, October 30from Saint Agatha Church in Miami.
Taking as an example the mercy of Jesus with Zacchaeus, – whom the gospel describes as the chief of the tax collectors, rich, corrupt and considered a sinner by the villagers who decides to recognize Jesus as his “Lord” -, Monsignor Báez said that “Today, to you, the rich, the businessmen, the bankers, those who decide in the world of economy and finance, this good news of salvation is addressed to you because you too are loved by Jesus”.
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The auxiliary bishop of Managua exiled in the United States sent the message to big capital in a context of coexistence between Nicaraguan businessmen and the Daniel Ortega regime, which allows the dictatorship to continue sustaining its repression, according to complaints; while in the prisons of Nicaragua more than 200 opponents and union leaders suffer, including former Cosep leaders.
“We cannot say that we have accepted Jesus as Lord and be selfish and indifferent to others.” Through the love of Jesus «they will discover how sad a life is where everything revolves around accumulating goods and economic gain, they will discover that they have forgotten, by idolizing money, the dignity of people and their historical responsibility to build a just and free society”, added Monsignor Báez.
“But, there is still hope for you (entrepreneurs). Do not be afraid of reprisals from power, convert to Jesus, even if you have to give half of your goods as Zacchaeus did (…), opting, deciding for charity, justice, the defense of human rights and the freedoms of the peoples, even if they have to lose half of their assets. In this way they will be able to collaborate in the construction of a new society, where they act with solidarity towards the poorest, respect human dignity and seek the common good and justice in all things”, highlighted the critical prelate of the dictatorship of Nicaragua.
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He also invited the parishioners “not to despise someone who has sinned, condemning and isolating him, (because) we plunge him deeper into the evil in which he lives and with which he does so much damage to others and to himself”, in reference to the accomplices of the regime.
“Let us ask the Lord today for the grace to always feel the merciful gaze of Jesus upon us, so that we do not despair because of our sin and also to treat those who have made a mistake with mercy,” said the hierarch.
