Money is perhaps the most talked about subject in American society.
How, as Catholics, can we process all the messages our secular society sends us. How do we reconcile the push for American consumerism with the call to Christian stewardship?
Beginning with biblical characters who were both wealthy and holy, Bill Heiden works through several examples from scripture to see what they might teach us about faith, family, and finance.
Faith, Family and Finance
"And which of you, by being anxious, can add a cubit to the span of his life?"
-- Luke 12:25
MONEY AND THE ROOT OF EVIL
Money is neither good nor bad. It just is. Love of money (greed) is the root of all evil. It is our relationship with money that presents problems. It's us and our temptations that bring about evildoing.
Timothy 6:10 -- Greed
Matthew 27:57 -- Joseph of Arimathea
1 Kings 10:14 -- Solomon's Wealth
Job 1:3 -- Job's Wealth
Luke 5: 27-32
FIRE!
Money is a tool. A very powerful and dangerous tool. We take great care when working with power tools. We are very clear on the risks associated with fire. What are the dominant messages we hear about money? Do we think about it as a dangerous tool?
Mark 10:23-25 (Notice the disciples response ... it's so hard, who can expect to get into heaven)
Luke 16:9 -- Learn proper care and maintenance
CONSUMERISM
Look at the messages we receive from secular culture. Ask yourself how many of these messages encourage greed, anxiety and autonomy. Notice how many of the solutions to the problems presented are consumption.
Luke 12:15 -- Watch Out!
1 Timothy 4:4 -- Don't let this be a rationalization
1 Timothy 6:9 -- Be careful what you wish for
Luke 8:26-37 -- Jesus came to shake things up, including the economic system ... notice the swine are the townspeople's livelihood. See what He does and their reaction?
STEWARDSHIP
Jesus gave us a very counter-cultural calling. In a secular world focused on material possesion, we are called to be Christian stewards; to remember as we are told in Haggai that "mine is the silver and mine is the gold, says the Lord of Hosts". In contrast to the dominant economic themes of consumerism as Christians we are asked to consider a Covenantal Existence, the Abundance of God, Generosity as guiding principles.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 -- The Right To Use Wealth
Luke 12:34 -- Opportunity Cost. Show me your checkbook and I'll tell you what you value.
WHICH ONE AM I?
Compare the responses of the two men after their experience with Jesus. Are there different standards for different people?
Matthew 19:16-22
Luke 19:1-10
A SIMPLE PROCESS
Simple is not easy.
REDUCTION
Luke 6:20 -- Not the poor in spirit. The poor. Why?
Proverbs 3:9 -- Square this with spending on credit, before you have the money
REFLECTION
Luke 12:22 -- There is no need to worry.
Luke 17:19-20 -- Notice that the rich man is nameless, but Jesus knows the poor man by name
2 Cor 9:8 -- an abundance for every good work
REINVESTMENT
Matthew 25:14-27 -- Put all gifts to use, including money
Luke 16:1-8 -- Align with proper values
PRACTICE
HOLD WEALTH LIGHTLY
Rev 3:17 -- Have need of God
1 Timothy 6:6 -- Independence from material goods
2 Cor 9:7 -- What's in your heart?
POSSIBLE READING
Simplicity by Richard Rohr
A Simple Path by Mother Theresa
The Catholic Briefcase by Randy Hain
Your Money Or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin