Profits and Losses

Gospel:  Matthew 16: 24-28

What do we gain if we spend our entire lives seeking to amass riches and possessions?  Consider the house and storage sheds of those who hoard possessions.  At some point these items will mean nothing at all.  The possessor of these things will die, leaving to someone else the possessions.  Or consider the wealthy person who has amassed billions of dollars.  Upon death that money has no meaning, and the possessions, the money become a millstone, not a life line.  

Was it really worth it to spend one's life this way? Do the rich and powerful have any satisfaction at all upon their deathbed?  How many people could have benefited from their money and possessions in having just basic necessities that were deprived them by those who hoard treasure to the detriment of others.  The wealthy lose their life, for their life was their possessions and money, all of which are left behind when death comes for them.

But those who have given up such wealth and treasure have lived for the sake of others.  They have provided care and mercy for others.  They have lived a truly free life. not bound by the slavery to possessions and money.  If we find ourselves in the grip of the demons of wealth and possessions, today is a day to let them go that they may be used to help others in their need.  This is the way of Jesus, the way of the cross, the way to resurrection and life.