Is My wealth a source of Friendship or enmity?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season 31st Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 16:9-15*

*First Reading - Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27*

*Is My wealth a source of Friendship or enmity?*

*1) Jesus on Wealth*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the wealth. 

Wealth could honest or dishonest. What Jesus meant by dishonest wealth could the wealth which was amassed by unjust ways, cheating, and illagal ways 

most of the times  excess wealth comes only through illegal and unjust ways. Such wealth is considered as unjust wealth

*2) Wealth and Friendship*

Jesus says *I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth*

In order to make friendship one must be ready to share whatever wealth He/she has

Unless one is ready to share the wealth, whatever he/she has, one can't become friend of another 

So the question is, Am I ready to create friendship with my wealth?

*3) Wealth and Enmity*

At times wealth also becomes the cause of enmity. 

Wealth gives rise to jealousy,  unhealthy competition, power, position and a kind of pride which can create a strong sense of enmity. 

When there is enmity because of the wealth, revenge can take place in different forms. So one should be careful about the wealth. 

*4) The destiny of Dishonest wealth*

As Jesus clearly says *It fails* that is the destiny of the dishonest wealth 

So at least make it useful in certain way, one should use such wealth to create a health and good friendship by using it for sharing. 

*5) One can't amass wealth in a unjust way in order to share with others* 

There is a principle in Philosophy *End does not justify the means*

It means one can't steal in order to help some one. 

*Good ends should have good means* There is no compromise in it. 

*6) What is my aptitude for wealth!*

Am I greedy for wealth? 

How do I use my wealth? Is it for selfish purpose or for the service? 

Is my means to accumulate wealth unjust or dishonest??

*7) Real Wealth in Life*

Peace of mind, good health, happiness and joyfulness, desire to do good, selfless service, generosity, humility, forgiveness, ability to listen others, care and concern 

What about the real wealth in my life????

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*