Poor little rich man

Bible verse:
"As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'" (Mark 10: 17-30)

Inspiration:
Jesus had many wealthy friends and relied on their generosity to support His ministry. But the rich young man, who tried to join His inner circle, had a different attitude toward money. As a man of wealth, he would have enjoyed many creature comforts as well as power and prestige. He probably could afford to do whatever he wanted to do. Far from relinquishing his financial power, he wanted to add to it. He wanted to “inherit” eternal life as if paradise were one more possession to add to his estate. When Jesus asked him to share his wealth with the poor, he couldn’t do it and left in sorrow. His money, and the things it could buy, meant too much to him.

Ironically, a study in Psychological Science showed that people who make wealth accumulation a top priority tend to be less happy than their financial peers (though the negative effect diminishes as their income increases). Another study, revealed that it would take a windfall of $1.5 million to make an unhappy person happy. But the average American household earns about $42,000 a years so, by that measure, happiness is an unattainable goal.

In today's Gospel, Jesus revealed a more meaningful way to think about money, one that will assure eternal happiness.

What does money mean to you?

That was the question Forbes magazine put to people from all walks of life. Their researchers interviewed a bartender, concierge, tollbooth operator, accountant, real estate tycoon and financier, to name just a few. Some said money was a constant worry; others said they never had enough; still others said it meant peace of mind and independence. One man actually said that money was his life.

How would you have answered?

The man who best expressed Jesus' view of money, simply said:

“To me, money is a blessing to be shared.”

Just click on the comments link below to add your spark to Spiritual Kindling. Or, if you know of another reflection or sermon on this subject that others would like to read, use the comment box to send that link. Thanks for contributing.

 

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