The Beatitudes confronts us with decisive choices concerning earthly goods; they purify our hearts in order to love God above all things. The church does not teach us that it is wrong to be wealthy- in fact, it enshrines the right to own private property. What it does teach is the proper use of wealth. If acquiring wealth becomes an end in itself, it means that we have lost sight of what is truly important for our ultimate salvation, that is, our relationship and fidelity to God. If we are fortunate enough to have an excess of wealth to our needs (not our wants) we have an obligation to share our good fortune with those who do not have enough to meet their basic needs.
Perhaps you might take time this week to remember a difficulty or suffering in your life. Was there a blessing for you hidden in that experience?
Taken from the Summit Journal; Melbourne.
