I have learnt how to be rich and how to be poor
Philippians 4:10-19
Luke 16:9-15
Today’s readings teach us about the right use of money. That is a valuable lesson, in view of all the evil and suffering in the world on account of the misuse of money.
Paul shares about his own learned wisdom regarding the use of money. He has learnt how to be poor and how to be rich. And because of that wisdom, he can dare to say: “There is nothing I cannot master, with the help of the one who gives me strength”.
Many of us have learnt neither how to be poor nor how to be rich. The poor who has not learnt how to be poor envies the rich, grumbles towards God, is anxious about the future, becomes moody and might even resort to theft. The wealthy who has not learnt how to be rich despises the poor, is greedy for more, uses others to acquire more, is stingy, is anxious about how not to lose wealthy and how to multiply it, can be drawn into other vices because of being in position to procure what the heart desires. He can even be a greater thief. The people who embezzle billions about whom we hear in the news constantly are usually not poor. Either way money can be our ruin.
Today’s readings teach us valuable lessons on how to use money for our good and not our detriment. First, we need to learn to be grateful. Paul is grateful to the Macedonians. Gratitude helps us to be content with what we have and appreciative the benefactor. Secondly, trust in God. It is trust in God that makes Paul say that there is nothing he cannot do with the help of the one who gives him strength. Trust dispels anxiety and engenders confidence. Third: be generous: the Lord tells us to use money, tainted as it is, to gain friends for eternity. The Responsorial Psalm told us that “the good man takes pity and lends; he conducts his affairs with honor”. Generosity promotes detachment. Fourth be honest: again, the Lord told us that the one who is honest in small things will be honest also in great and will be entrusted with even more.
