Stop and think for a moment.
Why are we commanded (its not an option) to give sacrificially to the work of the church?
Most people assume its because the church has to pay the bills, the priest needs a salary, the church needs a new roof and we have to help the poor people.
Yes and no.
We certainly do need money for mission, but there is a more profound and disturbing reason we are commanded to give.
In today’a Mass reading the rich young man asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus answers, “Sell all that you have and give to the poor.”
Look closely. The primary reason is NOT so the poor will have food and shelter.
The primary reason for the command is that the man will be able to inherit eternal life.
Jesus then goes on to say how difficult it is for rich people to enter eternal life….more difficult than a camel passing through the eye of a needle.
So where does that put us? An awful lot of Catholics in the USA are wealthy. By world’s standards very wealthy. What do they say? “If you have one computer in your home that puts you in the top 5% of the world’s population wealth wise. Continue Reading
