***
Samuel Johnson, an 18th century author, once visited a friend’s estate in the English countryside. After seeing all the rooms, rugs, and paintings on the wall, he said:
“These are the things which make it difficult to die.”
***
Jesus never says it’s impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Riches are not a sin.
But they are a danger, because we can easily become attached to them.
Think about how we’d feel if we woke up tomorrow and our house were downsized; our closet cut in half; our bookshelves emptied; and our car another ten years old.
It’d be shocking! Many of us would be saddened by it.
I know I would be. I love the two rooms I live in.
***
Meanwhile, there are vets living on our streets; families who cannot make ends meet; children who haven’t eaten since yesterday.
Or even the day before.
This doesn’t mean that we have to turn our lives upside down or sell everything we have. But we are obligated to help them.
We do this constantly here at Saint Catherine’s. Just last week, for example, we collected 1,800 personal care items and $1,300 for homeless teenagers living just miles from here.
This is what matters to God, having hearts that are generous. As Saint Paul says, “God loves a cheerful giver.”
***
Riches are not a sin.
But they are a danger.
If we find ourselves feeling a little too attached, perhaps it’s time to share.
God loves a cheerful giver.
***
