Sunday Wisdom

 

Jesus admonishes the multitude, "Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Covetousness, the inordinate desire and passion for worldly goods, which St. Paul describes as idolatry. So it is, an idolatry of material things at the expense of the true God.

Here's Benedict XVI, preaching on Palm Sunday some years ago:

A person can be materially poor yet his heart can be full of greed for wealth and for the power that derives from it. The very fact that he lives with envy and covetousness shows that, in his heart, he is one of the rich. He wants to reverse the division of goods so that he himself can take over the situation that was previously theirs.

The poverty that Jesus means - that the prophets mean - presupposes above all inner freedom from the greed for possession and the mania for power. This is a greater reality than merely a different distribution of possessions, which would still be in the material domain and thereby make hearts even harder. It is first and foremost a matter of purification of heart, through which one recognizes possession as responsibility, as a duty towards others, placing oneself under God’s gaze and letting oneself be guided by Christ, who from being rich became poor for our sake (see II Cor 8: 9).

Inner freedom is the prerequisite for overcoming the corruption and greed that devastate the world today. This freedom can only be found if God becomes our richness; it can only be found in the patience of daily sacrifices, in which, as it were, true freedom develops. It is the King who points out to us the way to this goal:  Jesus, whom we acclaim on Palm Sunday, whom we ask to take us with him on his way.

 

I can't add to that, but will point out: We must be rich towards God and this heavenly treasure is Christ Himself. Therein lies true, unending, eternal value. And remember, while you're at it, there's no luggage rack on the back of a hearse.

What shall it profit a man?

Your Friend,

LSP

Sunday Wisdom

 

No, not from me, far from it, but Austin Farrer strikes again. From Crown of the Year:

THE minister at the altar still uses the ancient attitude of prayer; he holds out the palms of his hands, like a child waiting for you to throw him a ball, or like a man going out to feel the falling rain after a great drought.  The bread of God falls like the manna from heaven; bring out your baskets, hold out your arms.  God will fill your empty vessels if you will uncover them.  You who come to this sacrament, what are your wants?  Open the gulf of your desire, that God may fill it.  Who desires holiness, who desires to care more for others than for himself, who hungers and thirsts for the Spirit of Jesus Christ?  Ask, he says, and you shall receive, but ask.

 

Yes indeed.

God bless,

LSP

Sunday Sermon

Here's a Sunday sermon, but not from me, I'm too busy sharpening  quills, dusting off ammo pouches and polishing .45s. Regardless, this preacher says you can't be a Catholic and vote Democrat. 

I'd agree, just substitute Christian for catholic, are the two synonymous? and there you go.

You CANNOT be a Catholic -- or a CHRISTIAN and vote DEMOCRAT.

Sayn.

LSP