10/08/2022

Today the readings from the New Testament remind us that open handed giving is  required and approved by God.  In another reading we are taught that  the value of  giving does not depend on the amount but on its relationship to the wealth of the giver. Great charitable foundatons have recently been created out of the wealth of young gifted and hardworking computer scientists but the nature of their skill means that they still continue to accrue billions. The rich young man of the gospels was told to give all his wealth to the poor and went away sadly for he was a man of great wealth. It was much harder for him to acquire his wealth than it is for anyone today.

The seed sown by the Apostles has grown into the Church we know. The true wealth of the Church is only in the preaching of the Gospels. The good news has to be spread thoughout the whole world. All the wealth of the world will not last. How much wealth is tied up in the land and property owned by our Church? Its a commonplace to complain of this but what can be done? I know that Jesus' body on earth does not require the magnificence of Rome. The Temple has been destroyed and the return of the remnant is characterised by the arrogant Atheism of its replacement nation. 

There is nothing we can do about the growth of wealth in this world; it is as inevitable as the passing of time. What we have to do is avoid a preoccupation with money and seriouly consider whether or not our Church should divest herself of all wealth and become as her founder so that we can follow relying only on the providence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord I try to concentrate on the meaning of your words but my inner self keeps drawing me to look at my own. As I pray I need only to await your gift to me and then my words are not my own. Holy Mary Mother of God intercede for me that my angel may overcome the powers that assail me and my service become not of the lips but of the heart.