“The rich MUST share their wealth with the poor, if only so that when they get to the gates of heaven, there's someone there to vouch for them.”

Francis Cardinal George

On many occasions the Cardinal has made reference to the important relationship between the wealthy and the poor.  As he sees it, the poor are God’s gift to the wealthy.  Today’s readings point in the same direction.  In Matt 19:24, Jesus teaches that, “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Why is it so difficult?  The danger is in thinking, “Look at all I have accomplished.”  In so doing we may be tempted to forget that all good things come from God.  How do we pay God back for what he has done for us?  Prayer is one important way.  A grateful heart frequently turns to God in appreciation and thanksgiving for every good gift. 

In addition, we can pay God forward.  God has no needs but our brothers and sisters in Christ have very real needs.  Our problem is that often we do not recognize the poor around us.  In today’s gospel the rich man lived sumptuously while a poor man lay dying at his door.  The rich man chose not to notice the poor man.  We are reminded of Jesus’ teaching about the Last Judgment in Matt 25:45, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.“ 

Today let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us appreciate the abundance of time, talent, and treasure God has provided in our lives.  Let us pray for the power to see and recognize every person as one of our brothers or sisters in Christ.  And may we share from our abundance with those in need, so they may testify on our behalf on the day of judgment.