IS MONEY A BLESSING?

XXVIII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: Mark 10:17-30

In the line of thinking of a good part of the Old Testament, many preachers proclaim that wealth is a blessing bestowed by God on those who believe and keep his commandments. However, after reading the Gospel of this Sunday’s liturgy, we may ask ourselves if, according to Jesus, riches are a BLESSING OR A CURSE?

A source of temptation

We may say that, in the very least, they are A CONTINUOUS SOURCE OF TEMPTATION. Wealth goes hand in hand with influence and power. And they can easily corrupt our souls, hearts and minds, in such a way that they become our masters and we their servants (even slaves).

Jesus tells us very clearly that it is very difficult, nearly impossible, for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. According to him, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich to enter the Kingdom of God; and that for sure is impossible.

The Apostles were so astonished that they asked: “Who can be saved?” And Jesus answered that God’s grace and power may make the miracle of giving a rich man a heart that is detached from the vanity of wealth, allowing itself to be touched by the suffering of the poor and being open to sharing. He must behave like a steward entrusted with the riches that belong to all and must be shared by all. As soon as he becomes the master, he will be ready to oppress and to exploit in order to keep and increase his riches.

In our capitalist society, profit is the king

Jesus’ words are an accusation against our capitalist modern society, where profit is the king which rules our political, economic and social world. To maximize the profits is the most fundamental principle that guides the big companies and the policy makers, even if that implies moving the factories somewhere else and dismissing thousands of workers.

First and foremost, wealth must have a social dimension, because it must be put at the service of the community and of all those that contributed for its creation.

Jesus warns us in very stern language: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Mt 6:24; see also Lk 16:13).

Jesus rejected the proposal of wealth and power

Remember that, immediately after his baptism and before beginning his mission, Jesus rejected definitely the proposal of acquiring wealth and power as the way to bring about the Kingdom of God (Mt 4:9-10). During his ministry, he was always open to everybody, rich and poor, but he preferred the company of the poor, the sick and the sinners. He put in practice what he preached: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:3; see also Lk 6:20).