Few Pray to be Delivered from Wealth and its Dangers

Jesus asked the disciples to go out, village to village, announcing that the kingdom of God had come. He asked them to do that with only one set of clothes, one set of shoes and not to worry about food or housing, it would be provided. How many of us Americans today have two and three or more extra of everything just cluttering up our homes? Without even being a hoarder, it is likely that most of us own way more socks than one could ever wear, more jackets and sweaters than a winter season needs and way more household items than ever get used.

What’s the solution? The surplus in our homes belongs to the poor and the homeless. In fact, Jesus commanded the rich young man to "Go, sell what you have and give to the poor" (Matthew 19:21). Moving from the sin of possession to the virtue of contentment is a decision to live our faith, to not simply have a head-knowledge of it. A person who chooses voluntary emptiness is the vessel that is prepared to be filled with eternal riches - the wealth that does not rust or grow old, but will last forever.

There are many who pray to be delivered from poverty and its dangers, but few who pray to be delivered from wealth and its dangers. Contentment without God is an attractive temptation despite its utter impossibility. St. Augustine knew better. He prayed, "Thou hast made us for thyself. And our hearts are restless until they rest in thee."

[Jesus said,] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt. 6:31-33).
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