All of today’s readings are focused on the spiritual principles of what one might call wealth
management for disciples.
In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel chastises the Prince of Tyre for his self-aggrandizing
stance: “…. you may think yourself like a god…. By your great wisdom applied to your
trading you have heaped up your riches; your heart has grown haughty from your riches…”
Indeed, as the Responsorial Psalm from Deuteronomy reminds us, it is the Lord who deals death and gives life. The Gospel Acclamation of 2 Corinthians 8:9 proclaims that Jesus Christ embraced human poverty so that we may enjoy divine riches.
Matthew’s gospel sums up our theme with Jesus’ words to his disciples: “Amen, I say to
you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven…” followed by “For
men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” We end with this consolation.
“Everyone who has given up houses, or brothers or sisters…. for My Name will receive a
hundred times more and will inherit eternal life.”
Mammon over God?
Our stay on earth is temporary, yet our need for financial security sometimes pulls us into
serving Mammon over God in our day-to-day life. Working unnecessarily on the Sabbath,
telling “white lies” to save a few bucks, filing vicious lawsuits over family property, cutting
off ties with loved ones over financial disputes, all demonstrate our desire to retain and
gain wealth at the expense of our spiritual welfare.
God over Mammon
On the other hand, many Catholic religious priests, sisters and brothers voluntarily commit
to God over Mammon, taking the vow of poverty (as the rich man in the Gospels was called
to). As lay Catholics, here are some spiritual principles that have helped many remain
grounded in God and find balance in financial matters:
1) Acknowledge that everything you have comes from God and rightfully belongs to
Him, including your very body and soul. You really cannot take it with you. But give to
Him, ‘and it will be given to you, full measure, pressed down, shaken together and
running over will be poured into your bosom.’ (Lk 6:38). Practice tithing: this act of
trust detaches both rich and poor from holding on to our wealth as security. It also,
literally, “opens the windows of heaven” (Mal 3:8-12) as witnessed by countless
Christians who faithfully do so.
2) Pray the Litany of Trust when you find it hard to trust God for your needs and when
tempted to dishonesty. https://sistersoflife.org/litany-of-trust/
3) Pray for “moderate” prosperity in your career and family – sufficient means to
sustain your family life, remain honest in financial matters and generously support
the kingdom of God.
4) Invest specifically in helping the poor and in the preaching of the Gospel.
5) Be intentional about bringing as many souls into God’s kingdom as you possibly can
through every encounter – through the generous giving of your time, talent and
treasure. Determine to be a fisher of men with a net full of souls – this is your
ultimate net worth – the only treasure that you CAN, and must, bring with you into
eternity.
The Last will be First and the First Last
Remember, eternity is the grand reversal where the last will be first and the first last.
Much will be expected from those to whom much has been entrusted. The rich need
the poor to get them to heaven as much as the poor need the rich to help them on
earth. With these principles in mind, you and I can be wealth managers of that
which endures, whether we are financially savvy or not.
Dear Cheryl, I feel lucky to have read your reflection on the liturgy of today. You dealt practically with the question of honesty in our dealings with wealth and the pursuit of earthly riches. I find it edifying, aptly presented and resourceful for spiritual renewal. Thank you for speaking to me and to all who would read this reflection.