Greed
Avarice/Greed is a disordered preoccupation with money or the things money can buy
Of all the seven deadly sins, this one is perhaps the most starkly condemned in the New Testament
But almost nobody thinks they have a problem with greed.
If we don’t think we have a problem, why do we call money the root of all evil?
Because all sin, all evil, comes from preferring some worldly thing to love of God and love of neighbor
And money, which is a symbol of power for getting others to give you what you want on demand, is therefore the primary symbol for the things of this world
We treat money as the measure of our success
i. We feel validated by a larger paycheck
1. instead of by more meaningful work
Money as the source of our worry
Jesus told us “not to worry what we shall eat, or what we shall wear,” and St. Paul tells us “If we have food and clothing, let us be content with that.”
So see what kind of money – or stuff money can buy – you’re anxious about. Is it:
i. Your car, or car payments?
ii. Your house, or house payments?
iii. What college your kids will get into, or what the tuition payments will be?
iv. Is it your job security, or the rising prices of gas?
v. Is it your medical needs, or your medical bills?
God takes care of the lily and the sparrow – and He’ll take care of you and your family. You won’t have a perfect life on this earth, so stop trying to make it one. Money, and the stuff money can get you, are no substitute for the peace of living simply and preparing for Heaven.
i. Giving your money to the Church and the Poor is the most secure investment you can make. Let Christ be your stockbroker – let Him store up your “treasure in heaven” – and be at peace while you’re in this world.