Do I have a sinful amount of riches? Am i being called to rid myself of them?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flambeau
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
F

Flambeau

Guest
First off, I hope no one takes this post as bragging, but I do not believe in false modesty. I have had the luxury of being brought up by two amazing parents, who sacrificed their free-time and happiness to slave over my studies with me all through junior high and high school, and ensured that I prioritized excellence in school and performing every task to the utmost of my ability, I credit them for my success.

I am in a position where I earn a lot of money for my work. I have used this money to allow my wife to stay at home from work with our daughter, to buy us a nice (not opulent) home, two fairly nice (but not high luxury) cars, and most of the other trappings that come with a low-upper class suburban lifestyle.

I don’t think any of the above things are necessarily bad, BUT I do also own several multi-thousand dollar watches, multiple several hundred dollar pairs of alligator boots, and other such ultra-luxuries.

I consider myself to have a well formed conscience, but this all changed when we had a Msgr come give a homily during mass last Sunday. He is in charge of missionary work in Jamaica which helps build homes for families, feed them, and educate them to break the cycle of poverty. He said that for $2500 he can build a dream house for a Jamaican family of 4 (it looked like a tiny wooden shack, but clean, so a dream house for a family in poverty) and that he can feed a family of 4, for a year, on $100.

How can I own 3-4 Jamaican dream houses as wrist wear, or wear the equivalent of 12 years of food for a needy family on my feet? How could I have been so blind? I know that objects aren’t good or bad, but was my purchase and usage of them evil? I hope not as it wasn’t intended to be evil (which is a major component of morality) but it certainly wasn’t a good thing.

Should I merely refrain from buying such luxuries in the future and donate more to charity? Or sell all of these things, donate the proceeds to charity, and donate more to charity in the future?

God Bless Everyone,

PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS!
 
Flambeau said:
First off, I hope no one takes this post as bragging, but I do not believe in false modesty. I have had the luxury of being brought up by two amazing parents, who sacrificed their free-time and happiness to slave over my studies with me all through junior high and high school, and ensured that I prioritized excellence in school and performing every task to the utmost of my ability, I credit them for my success.

I am in a position where I earn a lot of money for my work. I have used this money to allow my wife to stay at home from work with our daughter, to buy us a nice (not opulent) home, two fairly nice (but not high luxury) cars, and most of the other trappings that come with a low-upper class suburban lifestyle.

I don’t think any of the above things are necessarily bad, BUT I do also own several multi-thousand dollar watches, multiple several hundred dollar pairs of alligator boots, and other such ultra-luxuries.

I consider myself to have a well formed conscience, but this all changed when we had a Msgr come give a homily during mass last Sunday. He is in charge of missionary work in Jamaica which helps build homes for families, feed them, and educate them to break the cycle of poverty. He said that for $2500 he can build a dream house for a Jamaican family of 4 (it looked like a tiny wooden shack, but clean, so a dream house for a family in poverty) and that he can feed a family of 4, for a year, on $100.

How can I own 3-4 Jamaican dream houses as wrist wear, or wear the equivalent of 12 years of food for a needy family on my feet? How could I have been so blind? I know that objects aren’t good or bad, but was my purchase and usage of them evil? I hope not as it wasn’t intended to be evil (which is a major component of morality) but it certainly wasn’t a good thing.

Should I merely refrain from buying such luxuries in the future and donate more to charity? Or sell all of these things, donate the proceeds to charity, and donate more to charity in the future?

God Bless Everyone,

PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS!
Click to expand...
My thoughts are,if you are purchasing high end items and not able to be charitable with your means as a result,then yes,you should prayerfully consider using your money for worthy charitable causes.If you are able to do both as it is,then I see no problem with enjoying nice things.🤷
 
Flambeau said:
First off, I hope no one takes this post as bragging, but I do not believe in false modesty. I have had the luxury of being brought up by two amazing parents, who sacrificed their free-time and happiness to slave over my studies with me all through junior high and high school, and ensured that I prioritized excellence in school and performing every task to the utmost of my ability, I credit them for my success.

I am in a position where I earn a lot of money for my work. I have used this money to allow my wife to stay at home from work with our daughter, to buy us a nice (not opulent) home, two fairly nice (but not high luxury) cars, and most of the other trappings that come with a low-upper class suburban lifestyle.

I don’t think any of the above things are necessarily bad, BUT I do also own several multi-thousand dollar watches, multiple several hundred dollar pairs of alligator boots, and other such ultra-luxuries.

I consider myself to have a well formed conscience, but this all changed when we had a Msgr come give a homily during mass last Sunday. He is in charge of missionary work in Jamaica which helps build homes for families, feed them, and educate them to break the cycle of poverty. He said that for $2500 he can build a dream house for a Jamaican family of 4 (it looked like a tiny wooden shack, but clean, so a dream house for a family in poverty) and that he can feed a family of 4, for a year, on $100.

How can I own 3-4 Jamaican dream houses as wrist wear, or wear the equivalent of 12 years of food for a needy family on my feet? How could I have been so blind? I know that objects aren’t good or bad, but was my purchase and usage of them evil? I hope not as it wasn’t intended to be evil (which is a major component of morality) but it certainly wasn’t a good thing.

Should I merely refrain from buying such luxuries in the future and donate more to charity? Or sell all of these things, donate the proceeds to charity, and donate more to charity in the future?

God Bless Everyone,

PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS!
Click to expand...
I suggest having a lot more children. 😉
 
I don’t think you need to sell your watches and boots, but it’s good when one realizes the money spent on luxuries is worth a great deal more to someone in poverty. I don’t think you need to sell your watches and boots, but when you wear them, let them be a reminder to be generous to others in need.
 
Other than the fact that you can afford these things, I think you should consider that alligators and crocodiles are tortured when they are killed just so someone can have a pair of alligator or crocodile shoes, or a $80,000 handbag. Those are things based on the suffering of animals. I know alligators and crocs are not “warm and fuzzy,” but they are living creatures. Incidentally, some high-end designers DO sell $80,000 hand bags, and that is not an exaggeration.

I remember seeing alligators in Florida, buried in the mud with only their snouts sticking out. They were so lazy, that even though we were nearby, they did not even consider coming over to say “Hello.”

You could do so much good with any disposable income you can spare. Don’t hesitate to do it while you can.
 
**Dear Flambeau,

I don’t think that getting “things” and having “things” are intrinsically evil as long as it is not a problem for you, but the minute that you find your attention being drawn to a situation that you would be in a position to give assistance, THEN, I think that you have a responsibility to reform your thinking and begin to prayerfully ask the Lord just what He would like you to do with these extra “things” and how He would ask you to contribute in the future.

**I had a similar situation, only it was only a small inheritance from my dad, and I had the distinct impression that He (the Lord) did not want me to keep it **but that I was to reach out and help those that I felt drawn to–to help. I did so and even after it was gone I had no regrets because I knew that was the Lord’s will for me.

I can’t say that you have the same situation, but all you have to do is to go ask Him and I am absolutely sure that He will reply and will tell you what He wants you to do, and that is always the best thing to do!

**What ever your decision, I pray that God blesses you and enables you to walk in His ways-- always!

Blessings!
DesertSister62****
 
I’m of the opinion that you probably are being called to rid yourself of the excess luxuries. If you heard the sermon from the Monsignor and were troubled by it, it was probably Jesus tugging at your heart. Now, we’re not all called to help the poor in Jamaica, but even if you decide not to help them, you could always help the (often hidden) poor where you live by donating your time and money to local food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and crisis pregnancy centers. Yet, this is a decision you need to discuss with your wife and children (your wife because she deserves to be an equal partner in your financial decisions, even if she herself does not have a job that pays money; your children because they need to understand that not everyone is as lucky as we Americans are).

I was once told, btw, that if you own something that you haven’t used in 6 months, then it’s not yours. And I don’t know how anyone would need more than one pair of boots or more than one watch. But, I’m not you. Only you can decide what Jesus is calling you to do.
 
Thank you everyone for the loving and helping responses. I will keep praying on it.
 
Reading the stories of Mother Drexel and Francis of Assisi might give you some food for thought.

What one owns is not the problem, how what one owns effects their souls can be. This can be the case whether someone is financially well off or living paycheck to paycheck.

Pax.
 
I would pray for discernment and listen to what your conscience tells you. If you don’t use some of the items that are so valuable, that’s probably a good reason to divest yourself of them and donate that money to a worthy charity.
 
An attachment to worldly goods is unhealthy. For what if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul. It’s ok to have nice things, but you cannot live to have riches. Your treasure is loving God, that is what you will take with you when this earthly life is over. If you see someone without a coat, give him yours, if you see someone without shoes, give him yours. If your neighbor has no food, feed him. If sick, seek medical help for him. Pray for others. Commit to a church committee. There are things more precious than material goods.
 
I was never rich. But i had enough and a little to spare. I have family working with the truly needy in many lands, eg babies in India and in Nepal. It focussed me mightily as I know how little it takes to save the life of a tiny baby. So I sold and gave away all I did not absolutely need. All the clutter went. Same now; I do not need much in my old age so the rest feeds others and i am deeply fulfilled and content except that I do not have enough to give. How could i feast while babies die for lack of milk? I live very simply, buy food etc at the reduced counters, grow what little I can. Give the work of my hands to sell for baby food. Jesus say this so clearly in Matthew. OF COURSE it is an individual choice. Oh re shoes! I have one pair. All I can wear is one pair! They were half price in a supermarket sale
 
Rosebud77 said:
I was never rich. But i had enough and a little to spare. I have family working with the truly needy in many lands, eg babies in India and in Nepal. It focussed me mightily as I know how little it takes to save the life of a tiny baby. So I sold and gave away all I did not absolutely need. All the clutter went. Same now; I do not need much in my old age so the rest feeds others and i am deeply fulfilled and content except that I do not have enough to give. How could i feast while babies die for lack of milk? I live very simply, buy food etc at the reduced counters, grow what little I can. Give the work of my hands to sell for baby food. Jesus say this so clearly in Matthew. OF COURSE it is an individual choice. Oh re shoes! I have one pair. All I can wear is one pair! They were half price in a supermarket sale
Click to expand...
Your post is inspiring, in that it shows that we can indeed live with less.

The OP asks a very good question - one that we all can ask ourselves. 🙂
 
Flambeau said:
First off, I hope no one takes this post as bragging, but I do not believe in false modesty. I have had the luxury of being brought up by two amazing parents, who sacrificed their free-time and happiness to slave over my studies with me all through junior high and high school, and ensured that I prioritized excellence in school and performing every task to the utmost of my ability, I credit them for my success.

I am in a position where I earn a lot of money for my work. I have used this money to allow my wife to stay at home from work with our daughter, to buy us a nice (not opulent) home, two fairly nice (but not high luxury) cars, and most of the other trappings that come with a low-upper class suburban lifestyle.

I don’t think any of the above things are necessarily bad, BUT I do also own several multi-thousand dollar watches, multiple several hundred dollar pairs of alligator boots, and other such ultra-luxuries.

I consider myself to have a well formed conscience, but this all changed when we had a Msgr come give a homily during mass last Sunday. He is in charge of missionary work in Jamaica which helps build homes for families, feed them, and educate them to break the cycle of poverty. He said that for $2500 he can build a dream house for a Jamaican family of 4 (it looked like a tiny wooden shack, but clean, so a dream house for a family in poverty) and that he can feed a family of 4, for a year, on $100.

How can I own 3-4 Jamaican dream houses as wrist wear, or wear the equivalent of 12 years of food for a needy family on my feet? How could I have been so blind? I know that objects aren’t good or bad, but was my purchase and usage of them evil? I hope not as it wasn’t intended to be evil (which is a major component of morality) but it certainly wasn’t a good thing.

Should I merely refrain from buying such luxuries in the future and donate more to charity? Or sell all of these things, donate the proceeds to charity, and donate more to charity in the future?

God Bless Everyone,

PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for posting this…it should make all of us look at what we have and sort of question how much we are attached to material goods. I grew up extremely poor, and I’m a middle class, paycheck to paycheck person now, but sometimes I can be overly attached to things too [maybe because I grew up with so little]. I don’t think the problem lies in the things themselves, but in our attitude towards them and how we use them. Ultimately we are only borrowing material things, since we come into the world with nothing and we leave with nothing. God is the only truly important Good.

It sounds like you have a good conscience and an opportunity to do a lot of good in the world, so you should be happy!
 
Flambeau said:
First off, I hope no one takes this post as bragging, but I do not believe in false modesty. I have had the luxury of being brought up by two amazing parents, who sacrificed their free-time and happiness to slave over my studies with me all through junior high and high school, and ensured that I prioritized excellence in school and performing every task to the utmost of my ability, I credit them for my success.

I am in a position where I earn a lot of money for my work. I have used this money to allow my wife to stay at home from work with our daughter, to buy us a nice (not opulent) home, two fairly nice (but not high luxury) cars, and most of the other trappings that come with a low-upper class suburban lifestyle.

I don’t think any of the above things are necessarily bad, BUT I do also own several multi-thousand dollar watches, multiple several hundred dollar pairs of alligator boots, and other such ultra-luxuries.

I consider myself to have a well formed conscience, but this all changed when we had a Msgr come give a homily during mass last Sunday. He is in charge of missionary work in Jamaica which helps build homes for families, feed them, and educate them to break the cycle of poverty. He said that for $2500 he can build a dream house for a Jamaican family of 4 (it looked like a tiny wooden shack, but clean, so a dream house for a family in poverty) and that he can feed a family of 4, for a year, on $100.

How can I own 3-4 Jamaican dream houses as wrist wear, or wear the equivalent of 12 years of food for a needy family on my feet? How could I have been so blind? I know that objects aren’t good or bad, but was my purchase and usage of them evil? I hope not as it wasn’t intended to be evil (which is a major component of morality) but it certainly wasn’t a good thing.

Should I merely refrain from buying such luxuries in the future and donate more to charity? Or sell all of these things, donate the proceeds to charity, and donate more to charity in the future?

God Bless Everyone,

PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS!
Click to expand...
I would suggest reading the Pope’s recent Encyclical, Laudato Si’. It is a full exploration of this issue, and I think it would prove helpful going forward.
 
Regardless of what you decide to do with your current watches and boots, if your income continues to be much more than you and your family require, why not regularly donate to this Jamaican mission? Maybe you should get rid of your watches and maybe not- but you could definitely donate rather than buying yet another watch.
Do you regularly give to the parish and to charities? We are required to support the material needs of the Church and Christian charity compelled us to support those in need. A good rule of thumb is 10% of your income -5% to the parish and 5% to charities (or even more if you can do it!)
 
When my husband and I got together, we were both middle-aged and both had half a lifetime’s possessions - so many things. When I took early retirement, we moved from a big rented house to a small flat and also bought an old house in Italy. All the ‘stuff’ in England had to go.

It was actually cathartic to call the charities and ask them to bring vans to take it all away. Some of it was hard to let go of (we both had big vinyl record collections from our youth), but it’s just things. What’s valuable is what’s in our hearts, not what’s in our cupboards - sounds twee, but it’s true. I have given away more clothes than many people would ever own, I’m ashamed to say. Every time I gained or lost weight, I cleared all the clothes to the charity shops. Some of them still had the labels attached.

Like other posters here, as I get older I find I need less and less. My husband never bothers having any money at all in his pocket - he just asked me for £10 so that he could get a haircut. :D: The old Italy house has leaks in the roof, it doesn’t matter. The rain is warm and it won’t fall down in our lifetime!

The most important things are your faith and those you love. I would give everything I own to spend another day with my late mum and dad.
 
Denise1957 said:
Your post is inspiring, in that it shows that we can indeed live with less.

The OP asks a very good question - one that we all can ask ourselves. 🙂
Click to expand...
Thank you. I tried explaining to a young man once what happens when you choose this kind of simplicity. eg if you have ice cream every day, you take it for granted. If you only eat it maybe once a week, then it becomes a true delight… if you have cake with icing every day, same… if you eat only plain cake and with icing (frosting) on rare special occasion, it delights. This is what I find, that the smallest things become a total joy and so valued. All too luxurious for me! 🙂 Yesterday I gathered the first " crop" from my small garden, curly kale and such a pleasure on Sunday…Never ever do I feel deprived.
 
PS I would never ever give to the big charities or any group that pays big salaries and had huge expenses. My support is for actual family who I trust totally and know that if they were allowed to they would give the food off their plates to hungry children, who take no wages and live simply.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top