In today’s first reading, James 5: 1-6, and in Psalm 49, we are challenged to not get caught up in that which does not
lead to eternal life and is contrary to the way Jesus lived. We are invited to
eliminate negativity and any other behaviors that block us from growth in holiness,
that is in becoming poor in spirit, charitable and humble disciples of Jesus
Christ. Christianity, in short, is not
about becoming rich, though wealth in and of itself is not evil. When wealth is chosen as one’s ultimate goal, when it is worshiped or when it
becomes a substitute for God, it is pursued relentlessly. Relentless pursuers of wealth as a "must have," as a God-substitute, are likely to grow rich at the expense of the poor, cheating others of just wages and
the means to support, shelter, clothe, feed and provide education for family members. Bent on getting rich, some people exploit others, as in the sex trade, human
trafficking, slave labor, and drug trafficking. Idolaters of wealth are willing to do
whatever it takes to be among the richest people in the world, caring not at
all whose spirit and reputation is destroyed by their climb to the top! And the wanna-be-rich have a tendency to worship the millionaires and billionaires among us.
The psalmist
proclaims the behaviors listed above as “the way of those whose trust is folly.”
Wealth provides a false security and
when “worshiped” leads to destruction.
Our only salvation is the Lord, God. God alone redeems us. God alone is
God; there is no other. Security
rests in God and in being disciples of Jesus, in living as Jesus lived. the truly wealthy are those who are kind
and loving, merciful and forgiving, and generous in responding to the
needs of the poor and oppressed, those who right wrongs and live justly.
Upon what or whom do I place my security? For what, in this
life, am I looking? Whom am I following?
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