There is an economic term called the “Matthew Effect.” It refers to the phenomenon in which the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. This was the subject of a column in the Catholic Times.
It originates from the Gospel passage: “For all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. (Matthew 25:29).
In 1969, American sociologist Robert Merton first used this term to describe the reality where, even for the same research achievements, renowned scientists are rewarded far more than unknown scientists.
While reporting on a free meal program, the reporter witnessed the Matthew Effect unfolding today. After the war broke out between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, expectations for rising stock prices among defense contractors grew. In fact, the stock prices of major defense companies did surge immediately after the outbreak of war. On the other hand, the inflation caused by the war cost someone a single meal. It even took away that from those who make do with a single packet of instant noodles or a slice of bread for dinner. One patron the reporter met at the soup kitchen had scooped up a large portion of plain rice in anticipation of not being able to eat dinner.
At the same time, he witnessed hope. There were people who rolled up their sleeves to provide a meal for others. Some offered what they had, whether money or goods. Others carefully prepared and served meals. They were the ones bringing to life the miracle of Jesus Christ feeding the five thousand, as described in the Gospel of Matthew (see Matthew 14:13-21).
He dreams that the “Matthew Effect” might take on a different meaning. Just as the saying, “The last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16), implies that the standards of the Kingdom of God differ from those of the world. He hopes for a world where the term “the warmth of another person” is used naturally to describe how it generates greater benefits, not money or power.