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11 Oct 2015 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Minimalism seems to be all the rage these days. Blogs and books about simple living abound. Maybe the recent recession and collapse of the real estate market was a big reality check. For a while, people had to cut back. But now, even though the economy and even the housing market has improved, many people seem to want to keep cutting back. Maybe Americans learned a lesson about pointless excess. Maybe we’re caring more about waste and the environment. Regardless, the trendsetters say the oversized “McMansions” are passé and the self-described “small house movement” is hip. What’s more, we’re clearing the clutter inside our living spaces instead of adding to it. Of course, doing it only because it’s cool isn’t the best reason. Then it turns into just another game of one-upsmanship. But with the right intention—the intention of unburdening yourself of possessions to enter the kingdom of God—getting rid of what you don’t need and learning to live with less is wonderfully freeing. You don’t have to keep up with the Joneses. You can spend your time and money on other things of much more satisfying and long-lasting value—such as the people you are close to, living a full life, pursuing your dreams, and making the world a better place.

Authors Jennifer Tomshack

Minimalism Possessions simplifying

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Homily themes

11 Oct 2015 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Mark’s audience must have had the same shock as Saint Peter and the other disciples at Jesus’ radical teaching about wealth. People today might feel the same consternation. We can soften Jesus’ words by saying he was talking about detachment or not letting material goods run your life. We can point out that he promised a restoration of what his followers sacrificed, as the Book of Wisdom did. But Jesus—as he so often did in Mark’s gospel—was setting a very high bar for being his disciple. His words, like the word of God in the Letter to the Hebrews, cuts down to basic values and decisions by which your life is measured: Are you willing to sacrifice your earthly security to follow the Lord? Because that’s what he’s asking.

Wealth Possessions

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Pope Francis keeps it simple

04 Aug 2013 - Preaching the News for Sunday

Echoing Jesus' words in the gospel, Pope Francis on his way back from World Youth Day made headlines around the world with his simple question, “Who am I to judge?" regarding gay priests; equally notable, however, were comments he made earlier last Sunday in an address to the bishops of Brazil, the world’s largest episcopate. One of the pope’s key messages was similar to that of Jesus to his disciples: One’s life—including the life of the church—does not consist of possessions.“The results of our pastoral work do not depend on a wealth of resources,” said Francis, “but on the creativity of love. To be sure, perseverance, effort, hard work, planning, and organization all have their place, but first and foremost we need to realize that the church’s power does not reside in herself; it is hidden in the deep waters of God, into which she is called to cast her nets."The church, Francis said, “cannot leave simplicity behind; otherwise she forgets how to speak the language of mystery. Not only does she herself remain outside the door of the mystery, but she proves incapable of approaching those who look to the church for something which they themselves cannot provide, namely, God himself. At times we lose people because they don’t understand what we are saying, because we have forgotten the language of simplicity and import an intellectualism foreign to our people. Without the grammar of simplicity, the church loses the very conditions which make it possible 'to fish' for God in the deep waters of his mystery. . . ."People today are attracted by things that are faster and faster: rapid internet connections, speedy cars and planes, instant relationships. But at the same time we see a desperate need for calmness, I would even say slowness. Is the church still able to move slowly: to take the time to listen, to have the patience to mend and reassemble?”Homily hint: What do you make of Pope Francis' emphasis on the church’s role as something which is not quick to judge as it takes time to listen to the concerns of its children. We would all do well to slow down, remain calm, and seek the simplicity and creativity of love. Source: Vatican Radio

church Possessions Pope Francis simplicity speed

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Exploring the word

31 Jul 2016 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

The best things in life—aren't things. Somewhere deep down, many of us suspect this. Some may even accept it and strive to live in the direction of higher values. However, the world is chock full of wonderful, wonderful things and we all want some of them. Maybe lots of them. I know I do. I get that world peace is important. And I want to save the environment and clean up our energy, water, and food supply. Justice is a top-shelf priority, no doubt about it. Ending world hunger, preventing disease—I'm on board, count me in. A loving family and the company of friends is really good, certainly more vital to existence than having a new car. But I want the car, too. And a better kitchen. A bigger apartment, actually. A niftier vacation than the one I can presently afford. Like the one in the magazines. We ruminate in this way often, daydream about having enough money to get all the stuff. And if we have enough money, we find our daydream expanding to a new horizon, creating even more pseudo-needs. As every rich person will tell you, the only thing better than a million dollars is two million. Most folks in the Sunday assembly know that, in the end, Qoheleth is right. It's all vanity, all the striving and buying, stockpiling and yearning. A garage full of toys isn't happiness. But it sure sounds like happiness. If we're destined to be grass that springs up in the morning, then let it be a long morning, and let's have our time in the sun! The society around us, of course, is no help at all in forming more reasonable and durable values. This culture is established on buying and selling. It has to arouse our conspicuous consumption to survive and thrive. Maybe we have to stop calling ourselves consumers. That's not who we are; that's who sellers want us to be. The identity of a consumer is deceptive and dangerous to our souls. Resist the name. Disavow it when you hear it. Jesus has a more frank name for a consumer: greedy. Since consumption literally means feeding a hunger, a consumer is a person who lets hunger dictate every decision. This sort of greed inflates us, even as it inflates our homes and garages, our bodies and our dissatisfaction with what we already have. The more we get, the more we want. Greed inflates everything but our spirits. No matter what we purchase and possess, it's always going to be like that second piece of pie: It seemed like a good idea at the time. It tasted good in the moment. But the reality of the second piece never matches up to the idea. It just makes us sick. Related scripture links Wealth as negative influence: Eccles. 5:10-19; Amos 2:6; 3:10; 5:11-12; Mic. 2:1-3; Sir. 13:3-7; 19-23; 31:3-7 Wealth in a positive light: Prov. 3:16; 10:4; 11:16; Sir. 31:8-11 Jesus on wealth: Mark 10:17-31; 12:41-44; Matt. 19:16-20; Luke 16:13, 19-31; 18:18-30; 21:1-4 Later church teachings: 1 Tim. 6:7-10; James 1:9-11; 2:1-9; 5:1-6

Authors Alice Camille

consumer consumerism money greed Possessions

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In other words

31 Jul 2016 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Someone out of the crowd said, “Teacher, order my brother to give me a fair share of the family inheritance.” He replied, “Mister, what makes you think it’s any of my business to be a judge or mediator for you?” Speaking to the people, he went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’ That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God” (from Luke 12).

greed Possessions

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Homily stories

31 Jul 2016 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

A young student was asked by his teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up. Without thinking the student said, "I don't know." “Well," said the teacher, "what do you want to do when you finish high school?" “I'll go to university.” “And then what?” “I'll get a job.” “And then what?” “I'll make lots of money.” “Then what?” “I'll buy a house and a car.” “Then what?” “I guess I’ll get married.” “Then what?” “Maybe have a family?” said the student, not quite sure of it himself. “And then what?” The student thought some more and then said, “I'll make more money, maybe buy a bigger house, get a new car. Maybe buy a boat or a plane . . .” “Then what?” asked the teacher. Enjoying the prospects of future prosperity, the student was excited now. “Then I’ll retire and spend all my time traveling and enjoying my money and success.” “And then what happens?” asked the teacher one last time. After a short pause the student responded, “I guess then I die.” Nodding, the teacher agreed, “Then you die.” In the parable of the rich man who stores up his wealth, Jesus warns us not to get caught up in the acquisitions game. Life might end at any moment for any of us. What do you want to do with your life?

Authors Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann

money Possessions

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Who's listening?

11 Oct 2009 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

God’s Word is living and incisive, the Letter to the Hebrews says, and the vivid and difficult gospel story of the rich man provides a fine example. The reading confronts those who think they can follow the ethical rules and still hoard their possessions when others are in need. And wealthy hearers of this story may rush into the loophole of “with God all things are possible, so I’ll keep that money in the bank and hope for the best!” Today’s gospel does not condemn material possessions, but it does call on those who have more than enough to use their wealth—perhaps sacrificially at times—to the benefit of those who lack. As the bringer, with the readings, of God’s Word, you want your message to be penetrating but hopeful. Talk with your people today about the great variety of ways they can use their resources—monetary, personal, spiritual—to alleviate the suffering and want of God’s poor.

word of god money Possessions Wealth sacrifice Generosity

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Homily stories

11 Oct 2009 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

It’s Sunday morning. You can tell. People flood to their place of worship and kneel before the symbols of all that brings them joy and happiness in their lives. Unfortunately the temple to which many people make their pilgrimage is the health club, the gym where they look for eternal youth on the elliptical machine or treadmill or stationary bicycle. In so many ways, it is a greater source of competition than anything else that might keep people from church. Others can be found kneeling, but in their driveways. They are polishing the chrome wheels of the car they treat with more awe and respect than any person they know. It has become a symbol, an idol, worshipped at the altar of success and financial independence. The problem is it will rust, scratch, and eventually be left behind for a newer model. Our bodies are important. But there is more to life than them. Our possessions make our lives pleasant. But we cannot live for them alone. In the end we will owe an accounting of ourselves to God. What will our lives have shown to have been most important to us; what did we prize the most? Perhaps all of us could use a little more time kneeling in church thanking God for what is truly important and showing our gratitude by our actions for all the graces and blessings given to us.

Authors Father Dominic Grassi

Possessions Wealth worship

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Homily stories

11 Oct 2009 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

A doctor I know finds today’s gospel about the rich man going away sad the most disturbing of all Jesus’ stories and parables. He has notes and comments scratched alongside these verses in his Bible, and his personal journal is filled with pages of reflections about what it takes to follow Jesus. The doctor, who happens to be a very generous person, is constantly looking for a catch, a way out of Jesus’ command to the rich young man. But there is no catch—except to say the gospel isn’t necessarily about wealth and personal possessions. It is about our spiritual journey and what it takes to progress. For some of us, money gets in the way; for others, it is a desire to be liked or admired or perfect or in control that prevents us from taking that last leap and trusting in God for all our joy and happiness. Jesus loves the rich man, and the rich man is trying to do his best to be a good and decent person, but Jesus is telling him and us: “Don’t hold anything back. Love God with your whole heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Like the rich man and my doctor friend, most of us end up sad after hearing this gospel because we know we still have some major hurdles in our spiritual journey.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

Wealth Possessions following jesus

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The inner word

15 Jul 2018 - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Jesus instructs his disciples to possess nothing for their journey of evangelization. He stresses the need to be divested of the world in order to be totally invested in the Kingdom. What has been your experience of the relationship between worldly poverty and spiritual power? Do you ever feel like the things you possess and the comfort and security you enjoy might have a negative impact on the power of your proclamation? How would you evaluate the spiritual differences and similarities between the rich and the poor of your community?

Possessions poverty

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