Word to the Wise
Friday, September 16, 2011 - Friday in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Tim 6:2c-12 and Luke 8:1-3,1071]For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains...
In our current financial situation, these words from the first letter to Timothy can have a rueful and challenging impact. At least one would hope that some of the people whose desire to make more money led to the collapse of the housing market feel rueful! If not, then we can be sure that evil has not been rooted out and we will be in for another repeat. The news this morning revealed a "rogue trader" for a Swiss bank may have embezzled or lost nearly two BILLION dollars! That same news program reported the disparity between rich and poor is at an all time high in America and that there are more people living in poverty than ever before. All of this seems to focus attention on money or the lack of it. Has the "American dream" become a nightmare? How does one see one's way through all of this spiritually? Is there a separate gospel for the "haves" and one for the "have nots?"
The First Letter to Timothy tells a basic truth. We bring nothing into the world and when we die, as the old saying goes, "there are no pockets in a shroud." What all humans do bring is the common sensitivity to temptation. And some are born into a world of greater resources and opportunities. Some are born in misery. Does the gospel mean that birth is destiny? The Gospel of Luke constantly warns against the danger of material wealth. This is not just for individuals but for entire populations of people. Like it or not, we Americans have created a lifestyle that requires a lot of "money" to acquire and maintain. Our standard of living is one of the best, while other nations live in abject poverty! Does the gospel lose its message or ability to challenge? The fundamental challenge of the gospel is to move from a "getting" perspective to a "sharing" perspective. If we have created a new "god" out of the economy, we are truly lost. If we take the advice of the Letter to Timothy, there may yet be a way through! AMEN