by Sarah Dull
Happy New Year!
I thought it would be fun to kick off the new year with a look at the patron saints for matters of money. Whether we are dealing with debt, giving, living faithfully, or financial hardship it is always good to call on intercessors and role models.
We all have our favorite saints, and I’m no different. Growing up near Norwich in England, Julian of Norwich holds a special place in my heart. Mary and Martha of Bethany often call me back from my work, worry, and fear to dwell with our Lord.
Sometimes we choose saints because we know they’ve experienced the same challenges that we face. Just like us, many saints earned money, spent money, and had to overcome financial challenges. They’ve been through it and come out on the other side. Or they may inspire us because they have taken different paths and are able to show us other possibilities.
Asking for the intercession of the saints doesn’t negate the necessity of hard work, but James tells us “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective,” (5:16) so why not try it?
Here are a few saints you can turn to next time you’re feeling a financial pinch:
Saint Matthew
Saint Matthew was a tax collector for the Romans and was even sitting in a tax booth when Jesus called him to become one of his apostles. Without hesitation, Saint Matthew followed Him, spread Christianity, and was eventually martyred.
It may strike you as odd to reach out to a tax collector like Matthew when you’re struggling with managing your finances faithfully, but he was a financial and spiritual wiz. The Gospel of Matthew is full of insight on how to keep our finances in perspective. For instance, Matthew 6:21 tells us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” And in Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” He tells us to be concerned with things of heaven and less concerned with worldly affairs.
Saint Matthew encourages me because he was actually “good” with money by the world’s standards, yet at the same time he prioritized being a faithful disciple of God’s economy. The Gospel of Matthew can be helpful to those who struggle honoring God as their master rather than money.
Saint Jude
Another Apostle who can be called upon to help in times of financial stress is Saint Jude. “The patron saint for the hopeless, the despaired, and the impossible,” may be the perfect saint for those days of financial anxiety. Saint Jude was given this title because, it is said, after his martyrdom pilgrims came to Saint Jude’s grave to pray and many of them experienced powerful intercessions.
Saint Jude’s intercession for Danny Thomas inspired the actor to build St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his honor. As legend goes, Danny was in desperate need of financial help and a job. He turned to Saint Jude and vowed, “Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.” That prayer marked a pivotal moment. Soon after, Danny began finding work, eventually becoming one of the biggest stars of radio, film, and television in his day. Danny used his fame to fulfill his vow and named the hospital for the saint of lost causes.
Think your finances are a lost cause? Call on Saint Jude!
Saint Florence Nightingale
Saint Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 to a wealthy and well-connected British family. In her young adulthood, she had several experiences that she believed were calls from God, prompting a determination to devote her life to the service of others. In the face of opposition from her family and the restrictive social code for affluent young English women, Saint Florence Nightingale rejected the expected role for a woman of her status to become a wife and mother, and worked hard to educate herself in the art and science of nursing.
In addition to being the founder of modern nursing, she championed social reforms such as improving healthcare for all sections of society, advocating better hunger relief, helping to abolish prostitution laws that were harsh for women, and expanding the acceptable forms of female participation in the workforce.
Saint Florence Nightingale used her wealth and connections to organize, campaign, cultivate donors, set up funds, establish training schools, and promote her vision for a better, kinder, more just world. She had access to people in high places and she used her privilege to follow Jesus’ way of love and care for all.
“The Lady with the Lamp” may be able to shine some light on your calling and how to use your blessings in service of others – in God’s service.
Saint Joseph
Married to Mary and the legal father of Jesus, Saint Joseph knew the pressure of providing for and protecting his beloved family. Despite tremendous challenges, Saint Joseph demonstrated constant faithfulness to God’s will and unconditional love and protection of Mary and Jesus.
Traditionally, Saint Joseph is referred to as a carpenter. Modern scholars suggest he was an artisan, working in wood, stone, and metal on a wide variety of jobs. Christian teachings and stories about or relating to Saint Joseph frequently stress his patience, persistence, courage, and hard work leading the Catholic Church to recognize Saint Joseph as the patron saint of workers.
When you are feeling the stress of work and providing, Saint Joseph will surely understand and intercede on your behalf.
Saint Anthony of Padua
I couldn’t find Saint Anthony on the Episcopal calendar of saints, but I did find several namesake Episcopal churches. So, I am going to include him because debt is as big a problem today as it was in the thirteenth century.
Saint Anthony is known for being the patron saint of lost items, but he’s also known for advocating on behalf of debtors. In 1231, Saint Anthony petitioned the Council of Padua to pass laws to benefit debtors who could not pay their obligations. At that time, money lenders were loaning money at excessive interest rates, so only desperate people would consult a money lender. Saint Anthony was known to advocate for them and campaigned for change to this predatory system.
We usually think of Saint Anthony when we can’t find our keys, but consider asking for his intercession next time you’re dealing with debt, lost income, lost savings, or lost resources.
Combining an action plan, some hard-work, and prayer to these inspiring patron saints may help you keep the faith. When I’m faced with money matters, they always help me remember, “Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Understanding and navigating our society’s financial systems as followers of Christ can be challenging. Maybe that is why Jesus talked about money and possessions more than prayer and faith. As with most spiritual practices, we gain strength when we share with and support each other. Please let me know if you are willing to write a post, offer resources, submit an article, or do an interview-you never know who needs to hear your story.
