Money matters
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 15th, 2000

Money matters
by Tom Cox

Irish people forgive many clerical quirks, but the "Sagart santach" (Gaelic: Greedy priest) is a tag that make preachers wary in dealing with the very necessary question of money in parish financial life. Knowing that the greatest critic is often the smallest contributor, doesn't help either to defuse this homiletic minefield.

More personally, How to reconcile the tension in your life between your faith and your money, as eyes observe what you own or are thought to own? Meanwhile the plethora of worthy causes a parish is called upon to support, troubles many a priest. You feel like a holy collection agency.

The example of the rich young man in today's Gospel offers much challenge but little consolation. Put yourselves in his shoes. What would Jesus ask you to give up? Would you even pass the test as much as he did in observing the commandments before failing to give away all he possessed?

An attractive candidate; rich, young and with some official position in the community. Had it all it seemed. But there was something unfulfilled. He could be our patron saint. Living and partly living, having and not possessing. Today feel the Lord's loving gaze, and know that in letting go and following Him, we gain everything.

(Comments to Tom at stmarysrcathlone@oceanfree.net )