We all have our favorite saints. We may feel friendship with many saints and we keep them very close to heart for a quick approach in our difficult times.
Every day we deal with difficulties. Life is so hard to go on. Various emotional and physical frustrations can lead us to discomfort. Our financial needs also can make us weary. Millions of people are dealing with all sorts of financial stress. Often, getting ahead may feel unreachable. Asking for the intercession of the saints doesn’t negate the necessity of hard work, but we’re encouraged in Matthew 7:7-8 to ask for help when he says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Here are a few saints you can turn when you’re feeling a financial pinch.
1. St. Anthony of Padua
St. Anthony is very popular as the patron saint of lost items. But, he is also known for advocating on behalf of debtors. In 1231, St. Anthony petitioned the Council of Padua to pass a law to benefit the debtors who could not pay their obligations. At that time, money lenders were loaning money at excessive interest, so only desperate people would consult a money lender. St. Anthony was known to advocate for them and campaigned for change to this predatory system. We usually think of St. Anthony when we can’t find our keys, but consider asking for his intercession next time you’re dealing with a debt load.
2. St. Edwiges
St. Edwiges was the wife of a rich businessman who lived in the 13th century. She was a noble lady who used to visit debtors in jail and help them find jobs once they were released. Her fortunate life was in misery when her husband was arrested and died from a disease he contracted while in prison, leaving her to enter a convent to which her daughter already belonged. Despite her poverty, she remained faithful and charitable. She reminds generosity isn’t a luxury. We are called to have open hearts, no matter our financial circumstances.
3. St. Matthew the Apostle
St. Matthew was a tax collector and was even sitting in a tax booth when Jesus called him to become one of his apostles. It may strike you as odd to reach out to a tax collector like Matthew when you’re dealing with debt, but he was a financial 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 also will your heart be.” And in Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” He tells us to be concerned with things of heaven and less concerned with worldly affairs. He was actually “good” with money by the world’s standards. Financial stress isn’t limited to those with debt. The Gospel of Matthew can be helpful to those who struggle to honor God as their master rather than money.
4. St. Jude
Handling a debt load may sometimes cause us to feel desperate and hopeless. St. Jude, the patron saint of desperate situations, maybe the perfect saint for those days of anxiety. St. Jude is known for helping Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee. Danny was in desperate need of financial help and a job. He prayed for the intercession of St. Jude and the research hospital is now named for the saint of lost causes.
Combining an action plan, some hard work, and prayer to these helpful patron saints may help you pay off your debts. Chant this Bible verse when you feel financial difficulties, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)