The Proper Use of Wealth

“As for the rich in this world, … [t]hey are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous….” -1 Timothy 6:17

With Thanksgiving just over a week away, it’s time to pause to thank God for all the wonderful and bounteous blessings He has given us. Immediately following, Advent begins, a season that is synonymous with gift-giving. Aptly, Pope Leo’s prayer intention for November is “Let us pray for the proper use of wealth. May all people of means use it to build God’s kingdom, for the common good and to lift people out of poverty.” He reminds us that everything we have comes from God and is intended as a shared gift. According to the Catechism, the Church’s love for the poor is part of her constant tradition, inspired by the Beatitudes, Jesus’ own poverty and God’s unwavering concern for the poor. Concern for the poor is the foundation of social justice. In Gaudium et Spes, the Vatican II Council explained, “The best way to fulfill one’s obligations of justice and love is to contribute to the common good according to one’s means and the needs of others, and also to promote and help public and private organizations devoted to bettering the conditions of life.” Wealth itself isn’t evil; it’s God’s gift to us to use to help others.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s join Pope Leo in praying daily for the proper use of wealth. At the same time, let’s reflect on all the wealth God has graciously bestowed on us, including our talents, knowledge, opportunities and experience, in addition to our material wealth. Then let’s ask God how He wants us to properly use it, not only during Thanksgiving and Advent, but every day for the rest of our lives. Because, as Pope Leo teaches, “true wealth is not found in what we keep but in what we give with love.”

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Brother Knights: SAVE THE DATE–Coats for Kids distribution is Friday 11/27. More to come.