Wealth
Do not covet it or keep it for yourself
March 23rd 2011
In all places and at all times, money and possessions have been a cause of conflict for humans. You only have to see what happens in families – the tragedies there are around issues of inheritance! Envy and greed are what keep not only families but societies and countries in a state of permanent conflict. Yes, the cause of war is always greed. Whatever the reasons given – and often they can even be most noble – the real motive is always to take something from someone (money, land, the earth’s riches), and, obviously, the other is forced to retaliate.
There is nothing reprehensible about wanting possessions, but not at the expense of others. And those who are wealthy must not keep everything for themselves but learn to share their wealth. No one is richer than the Lord. His best representative on earth is the sun. The sun is rich to overflowing. Why not imitate it? If you cannot be generous with material riches, which you may not possess, be generous with your spiritual riches – with kindness, understanding, leniency and forgiveness.