Money, money, money
The story is told about a priest who, upon starting the Mass, looked at the congregation made up of rich people and said to himself: “Lord, where are the poor?” After the Mass, when the collection had been counted, he said to himself: “Lord, where are the rich?”
* * *
In today’s gospel (Mk. 10, 17-30), Jesus underlines the difficulty of the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven because of their attachment to and reliance on their wealth. “How hard it is for those who have wealth.” Money in itself is not bad. What is bad is filthy money, and unshared money. Take a look at what you have and what you have accumulated. Can you justify these when you come before God?
* * *
Use your money for your salvation, not for your condemnation. Those people who hurt or cheated others to acquire money have a lot of explaining to do before God. Those who use their money to hurt or take advantage of other people also have a lot of explaining to do. And those who did not share their money to the many suffering people around them also have a lot of explaining to do.
* * *
“Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46, 10). For us who are experiencing poverty and deprivation of any sort, let us be consoled that we have a generous and loving Father who assures us that He will not abandon or forsake us. God will provide! To those who are so engrossed in making more money, to the point of making money their “god,” listen to the Lord today. Let not money be your “god.” God is God. Don’t be a slave to money. God is your Master.
* * *
Expect money to play a big role in the coming elections. In fact, they say, money is the bottom line. It is unfortunate that in our country, good and deserving people do not have a chance to serve as public servants. Come to think of it: Why do people spend so much money, and will even play dirty, just to become a “public servant”? It is because the position will lead them to more possessions.
* * *
Money makes life enjoyable, convenient and comfortable, but it can also make life stressful and miserable. I have met rich people who make money the basis of personal worth. Pera, pera lang ang lahat! That is sad. But what is sadder is that they make money the basis of their own worth. Without their money, they have no worth, no friends, no self-respect, no esteem from others. Please remember: You are worth more than your money.
* * *
“Mayaman at mayabang” (rich and proud). Pope Francis, in one of his messages, exhorts us to make the “more humble purchase.” He underlines the reality of materialism and extravagance around us. If we do not want to share our wealth and resources, at least we must not flaunt or display them. I remember, growing up, how painful it was for me to see our rich neighbors with new clothes, new toys and goodies, especially at Christmastime. If you don’t care to share, at least be sensitive to the feelings of others.
* * *
Christmas is just around the corner. This early, prepare to share. Time to dispose and let go of whatever “excess baggage” we have. Better yet, level up and let go “till it hurts!” It is amazing how calculating and self-serving some people can be in their so-called “works of charity.” In reality, everything is still about I, me and myself.
* * *
I feel so sad, and even angry, whenever I hear or read news about food, medicines, clothing and what have you that were intended for the lost, the least and the last, but were never given to them for whatever reason, and are rotting somewhere. What a waste! What a shame! Let us ask ourselves today: What am I wasting? What am I not sharing that would cause me so much shame?
* * *
Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Sunday. The first thing we should do is show our deep respect for them, for their values, and their culture. Let us stop being condescending. Let us take the road of dialogue, respect, unity and understanding. Let us be one with them in their hopes, aspirations and dreams.
* * *
October is the month of the Holy Rosary. Let us pray the Rosary daily, and pray it with devotion and love. Pray slowly. Don’t rush. Pray with the heart and not just with the mouth. The Rosary, prayed with love from the heart, is a beautiful and meaningful prayer. It is the prayer of the poor, the simple and the insignificant—but a prayer that is pleasing to God.
* * *
Inviting you to join the Perpetual Rosary Movement (PRM), an online movement of Marian devotees dedicated to the regular praying of the Rosary in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Its intention is to have the Rosary recited at all hours of the day and night, worldwide. This means a 24/7 praying of the Rosary, covering all time zones, by its members. The Rosary is offered for the sick and the suffering, for world peace and reconciliation, justice, human development, integrity of creation, and the intentions of members. Register now through the Facebook site of the PRM. For inquiries, please send a message to XVD Steve Villarosa or Myrna Villarosa.
* * *
The annual SVD-XVD alumni homecoming will be held on Nov. 6 and 7 at Christ the King Mission Seminary, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. Calling all alumni of SVD seminaries!
* * *
A moment with the Lord:
Lord, remind us that You are our God, You are our Master, not our money. Amen.
