By Preet Anupam Beck csc –
Readings: Jgs 2: 11-19; Mt 19: 16-22
For some people, money is an end in itself and for others, it is the means to achieve happiness. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that money surely cannot save a life. Money and possession can bring sadness and grief as we find in the rich man in today’s gospel.
Till he met Jesus, he was happily obeying the written commandments. But after meeting Jesus and listening to him, he realized how much he had become addicted to his money and possessions that he could not leave it or could not live without it.
We can be easily trapped by money and possessions in our life. They can lead us into a stage where we will not be able to live the gospel in our daily life. The danger of having money is that it becomes our habit, and we cannot think of living without it. Money can bring the real nature of people to the forefront.
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown this phenomenon. The pandemic has united people across the world to share with those who were devastated by the pandemic in whatever little way possible. Some have found it an opportunity to make money.
But money has never been a bad thing in itself. It never was. It always depends on how we use it. Money and possessions must be used for bringing happiness and promoting life. Now, how can I bring happiness and promote life? In my life, I do that by spending my money for the good of myself, fulfil my needs and avoid wasting resources such as electricity, food, and water for the good of the society. Let us not be sad for having money and possessions but bring ourselves and others happiness with it.