This is the wisdom from our Archbishop William God about wealth.
In this time and age, world has planted the new definition about success and happiness.
People are chasing their dream to acquire more wealth, retire early, enjoy life etc but will they be happy ?
When they chase the wrong thing, they will always be hungry for more and never be contented.
So hopefully this wisdom words will remind us and our children to focus on what God asks us to do instead of being trapped by what the world see
There is this instinct in every man to seek justice. No one seems contented with what they have. We never have enough to satisfy us. How often have we had siblings fighting over their parents’ estate because they felt that they did not get their fair share!
The principles of justice are highlighted in today’s scripture readings. Firstly, everything belongs to God. Creation is given to all of humanity. No one owns the earth. It is the common property of all. So whenever we have more than what others need, we have no right to retain them. The wealth of this world is to be shared with all, especially those who are deprived of the basic needs of life. Indeed, it is a great injustice that the richest 1% owns half the world’s wealth, even if what they own are legally theirs.
Secondly, the Lord reminds us that happiness in life does not increase simply because we have more wealth and things. Some of the most miserable people in the world today are those who are rich and famous; some have even committed suicide! This is what we all think; that if we have plenty of money, we can retire and we will be happy. Have we asked those who are retired whether they are really much happier than when they were working? Some fall into depression and sickness because they do not put their body and brain to good use. We cannot stop working in life because work gives us a sense of purpose, meaning, hope and keep us healthy.
Thirdly, happiness in life is not about acquiring things but building meaningful relationships with God and with our fellowmen. Money and resources are means to an end. They alone cannot make us happy unless we use them for the service of our fellowmen. When we use what we have to spread joy around us by helping the needy, caring for the sick and building friendships through meaningful activities, that is what makes us happy. We should not be seeking justice and our rights but the justice and rights of the really poor. Otherwise, our desire for justice springs from greed, wanting to have more and more.
When we realise how unworthy we are and how undeserving we are of God's mercy and love, we will desire to show our love in return by loving Him and loving our brothers and sisters. This is true not just of God’s mercy in forgiving us our sins but also in every area of life. If only we are grateful for the gifts we have received, our wealth, talents and health, we would not abuse them but use them for the good of our fellowmen and for the greater glory of God. We will not keep them for ourselves, since we have received from God freely.
Source : Archbishop William Goh's sharing fb
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