“Money is the root of all evil.” This statement seems to be a trite and tired saying by now. And when one sees what money can buy today, the statement sounds to be that of a loser. Indeed, often in today’s materialistic world, when money talks everybody listens.
In this sea of affluence and often uncaring, there is voice of one crying in the wilderness. He has criticized the “cult of money” and the greed that he sees driving the world financial system. He has repeatedly returned to the euro crisis and the suffering it has caused in Greece and the Catholic countries of Southern Europe. Recently, he said “We have created new idols. The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal.”
Pope Francis is bringing back the Spirit and original message of the Gospel. He has shed the trappings of power and wealth and has taken on the mantle of simplicity and humility. He has chucked the language of triumphalism and infallible authority and has spoken to us about the poor and those on the edges of society. He has challenged all of us to care for the poor and look after those on the fringes of society.
Does that mean that the rich and wealthy will be excluded from the Kingdom of God and only the poor and the lowly will be allowed in? Those with exclusivistic thinking would believe so. But all are welcome here. Everyone and anyone who wants to accept the invitation and follow the call will have to pass through the small and narrow gate. But isn’t that going to be impossible? Here is the Good News, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
Mark 10:17-27
Hey Verne, I know that you are a truth seeker and a follower of Jesus Christ like I am. I will be writing some articles in my website too (WordPress) and I would like to exchange some ideas or comments with you especially if we have a different view on a subject. I respect your opinion and I really wanted to get answers to my questions to understand the word better. I would also want you to ask me if you have questions about what I write. Because we don’t know when Christ second coming is or when we will die, there is a sense of urgency for us to share the word as we are commissioned to in Matthew 28:19. I have been studying the Word (the Bible) seriously for the last 14 years and prior to that when I was younger after my seminary years, I attend, whenever I can, bible studies at our parish in Paranaque and here in US. Everyday in the last several years, I either read/study the bible, listen to preachings and teachings, watch videos or programs about our faith, attend classes in Biblical studies, and I know I will continue to do so until I die. There is so much to learn and so much that needed to be shared. Please let me know if it’s okay.
Congratulations, Rene, for starting your own blog. There is so much wonderful stuff on the Internet these days. I get my news mostly from the Internet now. I keep in touch with friends. I read about inspiring stories. Unfortunately there is also a lot of trash. There is also a lot of anger and violence. Through our blogs, we can hopefully contribute in making things spiritual alive in the Internet.
I would welcome your comments and questions about my postings in my blog. I will also make comments on yours when I have something to say and ask questions to keep our conversation going.
Thanks for dropping by.
Thanks Verne, My brother set me up on this website last year but never got to really use it. I didn’t know how… and didn’t have much time to learn but I guess this is a good way to actually have a longer shelf life of your entries. Looking forward to going through all of your entries – I enjoy them and I admire your transparency laying on the table what you think and what you feel – be it positive or negative.
Thanks, Rene.
Hope to see you around these parts more often.