A
Alterum
Guest
Are we morally obliged to give up as much as we can, as many luxuries as possible, and a relatively very large portion of our time, to assist ‘the poor’ (or, as the case may be, anyone in need of aid)? That is, are we required to live in a way that we only grant ourselves those pleasures that allows us to function in a maximal capacity to help others, with an aim to decrease the number of pleasures that we feel necessary in order to do so? (Here is where I think of Lk 18.) If not, why?
I understand that there are some Scriptural passages that would suggest otherwise (Christ’s entertaining at the wedding feast being among them), but it could easily be argued that Christ allowed himself these pleasures in order to accomplish significant good. For instance, at the wedding feast He revealed His power and taught a certain deference to Mary, and perhaps more broadly to mothers.
I ask this question because, in a crude way, I have a hard time spending money here and there on something which seems superficial or extraneous when I know that, since it did not go to charity, it costs another person saving food or medicine, or an education, etc.; and so it does not seem justifiable to me a lot of the time. On the other hand, I recognize that there is great value in, e.g., having fun with one’s friends, at least in terms of lifting spirits. But I just don’t know whether there is some moral negligence in it… This is a serious and difficult question for me; I sincerely appreciate your help.
I understand that there are some Scriptural passages that would suggest otherwise (Christ’s entertaining at the wedding feast being among them), but it could easily be argued that Christ allowed himself these pleasures in order to accomplish significant good. For instance, at the wedding feast He revealed His power and taught a certain deference to Mary, and perhaps more broadly to mothers.
I ask this question because, in a crude way, I have a hard time spending money here and there on something which seems superficial or extraneous when I know that, since it did not go to charity, it costs another person saving food or medicine, or an education, etc.; and so it does not seem justifiable to me a lot of the time. On the other hand, I recognize that there is great value in, e.g., having fun with one’s friends, at least in terms of lifting spirits. But I just don’t know whether there is some moral negligence in it… This is a serious and difficult question for me; I sincerely appreciate your help.