Although being wealthy can be considered as a blessing from God, it does not necessarily follow that the rich are close to the Lord. Three consistent dangers of the rich are: reliance on their wealth to get them through life’s challenges; an egocentric approach to life that makes them believe their thoughts and words are definitive and final; and last but not least, their comfortable lifestyle can lead to the danger of placing God on the fringe.
The above are some of the reasons why Jesus states clearly that it is “hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 19:23). This is not to be read as a rejection of the rich, but as a loving warning to change. When the wealthy learn to rely on the Lord; seek Him in love and truth; and show gratitude by placing the Lord at the centre of their lives, it is then that their spiritual journey will be filled with true substance and grace.
Loving Father, You own everything in creation. Your wealth is beyond compare. Yet the real value of Your riches lies in Your love and mercy for us. Help us to claim the richness of Your presence in our lives, and to generously share Your rich good news with all. Amen.
Blessings,
Fr. Howie
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