God made us rich to love the poor. Can we detach from our wealth when we are called to share and give it to those who need it the most? - Daily Bible Reflections August 18,2014

GOD, WHY AM I RICH?

 

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor...” — Matthew 19:21

 

At 25, Dylan Wilk became the ninth richest man under 30 in the United Kingdom. He owned one of the largest mail-order computer games businesses in the UK. When he sold the business, he got £2.6 million in cash, and five percent of the enlarged company which valued his shares at £16 million. One night, rich but feeling empty, he asked, “God, why am I rich?” In 2003, Dylan sold his BMW and gave all the proceeds to build a Gawad Kalinga community to provide homes for 80 families in the Philippines. “I learned to know the difference between pleasure and happiness,” he said.

       In the Gospel today, Jesus invited the rich young man to sell his possessions and give it to the poor. Unlike Dylan, he went away sad because he couldn’t part with his wealth even if it only gave him temporary pleasures. But today, the Lord is building a new breed of millionaires who choose to use their wealth for God’s purposes.

       Like Dylan, let us use our financial resources to help us live out Jesus’ command to love our neighbor and build up His Church. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: God made us rich to love the poor. Can we detach from our wealth when we are called to share and give it to those who need it the most?

 

Lord, help us to be good stewards of the resources You have entrusted to us. May we use them wisely for the building of Your Kingdom and to serve our brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

 

St. Jane Frances de Chantal, pray for us.