Jesus said, “Take care. Avoid greed in all its forms. For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
In his gospel Luke urges us to see ourselves within a web of social relations, to stand in solidarity with those in need rather than alone like the rich fool. Like God, wise believers hear the cry of the poor and do their parts to empower those left behind or left out to participate in our common economic life. “To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity,” writes Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical, Caritas in Veritate. “The more we strive to secure a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbours, the more effectively we love them”(7).
What wealth do you share with ease? What do you tend to protect?