One of the ways our leaders—media, governmental leaders, and academics—foster a divide between citizens is through greed.
All wealthy people are demonized as being hoarders of money; they are depicted as sitting around on their mounds of gold, refusing to even flip one coin to a poor person.
To be sure, there are stingy rich people, but not all.
Less fortunate people are encouraged to envy the rich and seek their money for their own, feeling justified in taking it because “who needs that much.”
We are a confused country. On the one hand, we demonize those with wealth and then, on the other hand, we encourage people to become famous and get good and rich.
The messaging is a greedy one and seeks to pit us against one another.
Through all this, no one seems truly happy.
Jesus warns in our Gospel reading today, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Luke 12:15
Happiness is not found in taking money from others. It only makes you greedy for more and it will never be enough.
Happiness is not found in getting exceedingly rich. Money is cold and lifeless and it cannot buy you love and virtue.
True happiness is found, Catholic Pilgrims, in living a life of virtue whether poor or rich, in seeking to serve others using your talents and gifts to the best of your ability, and loving others well.
Have a blessed Monday.
**This picture is from San Juan Capistrano Mission. Today is the Feast Day of St. John of Capistrano.
St. John of Capistrano, pray for us!
