St. Joseph of Arimathea: The Underdog Saint and Model of Virtue Investing

Written by Daniel Catone

“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” - Jesus Christ in Matthew 8:19-20

In our quest to align our investments with Catholic social teaching (CST), we often look to saints and holy figures for inspiration and guidance. One such figure is St. Joseph of Arimathea, whose actions in the Gospels exemplify the virtues we strive to embody in our financial decisions. By examining his life and deeds, we can learn valuable lessons about generosity, courage, discipleship, compassion, and faith, which are essential for ethical and impactful investing.

Generosity: A Selfless Act of Giving

St. Joseph of Arimathea is most famously known for his generous act of providing his own tomb for the burial of Jesus Christ. This act of generosity is a profound example of selflessness and stewardship, key virtues in Catholic teaching. As an investor, this generosity translates into a commitment to using our wealth for the greater good, supporting causes that align with our faith, and making financial decisions that benefit others, not just ourselves.

Investing with generosity means recognizing that our resources are gifts from God, entrusted to us to be used for the benefit of all. This might involve supporting companies and projects that promote social justice, alleviate poverty, and protect the environment. By prioritizing these values, we can ensure that our investments contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

Courage: Standing Firm in Faith

The Gospels tell us that Joseph of Arimathea courageously approached Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body. This was a bold and risky move, especially given the political climate and the potential repercussions from both Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. His courage is a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to doing what is right.

In the world of investing, courage is essential. It involves making bold decisions that align with our values, even when they are not popular or profitable in the short term. It means standing firm in our ethical convictions, resisting the temptation to invest in companies or industries that engage in practices contrary to CST, such as abortion, environmental destruction, or exploitation. Courageous investing requires us to trust in God’s providence and prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains.

Discipleship: Following Christ’s Example

Though Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Jesus, his actions spoke volumes about his commitment to Christ. By providing a dignified burial for Jesus, he demonstrated his discipleship through action, not just words.

As Catholic investors, we are called to be disciples in the financial world. This means aligning our investments with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It involves being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, seeking opportunities to invest in ways that promote love, justice, and compassion. Discipleship in investing means considering the impact of our financial decisions on individuals, communities, and the environment, and striving to support companies and initiatives that reflect our commitment to the Kingdom of God.

Compassion: Caring for Others

Joseph’s actions toward Jesus’ body were filled with compassion. He ensured that Jesus received a proper burial, demonstrating guidelines and deep empathy and respect for the suffering Christ had endured. This compassion extended beyond himself, reflecting a genuine concern for the dignity and well- being of others.

In investing, compassion calls us to consider the human impact of our financial decisions. It means avoiding investments in companies that harm people or communities, such as those involved in human trafficking, poor labor practices, or environmental degradation. Instead, we should seek to invest in ways that uplift and support the most vulnerable, contributing to a more equitable and just society.

Faith: Trusting in God’s Plan

Although the Bible does not explicitly mention Joseph’s faith, his actions reveal a profound belief in Jesus as the Messiah. His willingness to take responsibility for Jesus’ burial shows his trust in God’s plan and his commitment to honoring Christ.

Faith is the cornerstone of Catholic investing. It involves trusting that our financial decisions, guided by CST principles, will align with God’s will and contribute to the greater good. Faith encourages us to look beyond immediate returns and consider the eternal impact of our investments. By investing with faith, we recognize that our ultimate goal is to serve God and His people, using our resources to build His Kingdom on earth.

St. Joseph of Arimathea’s life and actions offer a powerful example of how Catholic virtues can guide our investment decisions. By embodying generosity, courage, discipleship, compassion, and faith, we can ensure that our financial choices reflect our commitment to Catholic social teaching and contribute to a better world.

As we strive to be virtuous investors, let us ask St. Joseph of Arimathea to be our guide and inspiration. By following his example, we can navigate the financial world with integrity, making investments that uphold the sanctity of life, promote the common good, and reflect the teachings of Christ.

Visit Arimathea at www.arimatheainvesting.com for a free analysis of your investments and discover how your portfolio may align with Catholic social teaching. Partner with us to ensure your investments reflect your faith and uphold the sanctity of life, compassion, and the common good.