We need not look very far to be reminded that we are living in an age in which wealth is used so terribly, and for purposes so immoral, that at times we are tempted to forget that wealth is a gift from God. In this environment, it is hard for us to remember that the state of wealth — the condition of abundance — was the world God intended for us. Yet, as Catholics, we must make all the more effort to use wealth properly. The proper use of wealth is to use it in such a way that it glorifies God. Our challenge is to discover new ways to glorify God with our financial gifts.
This year, we have witnessed one of the greatest examples of using money to glorify God. Because of Mel Gibson’s personal investment of $30 million, the movie, The Passion of The Christ, has brought countless people closer to Christ and His Church. What made this possible was the personal financial risk of Mel Gibson and his desire to glorify God.
Hollywood studios turned him down, thinking the project was a financial loser.
But clearly, Mel Gibson has a passionate love for his Redeemer, and he knew better. Gibson’s idea of “return on investment” had very little to do with cash, and very much to do with a love of Christ. I have never met Mr. Gibson, but my guess is that he would have considered this movie a complete success even if he had lost $30 million.
Most of us are not blessed with the wealth that Mr. Gibson possesses, and we will certainly never have the opportunity to undertake this kind of endeavor. However, we cannot use our lack of superabundance as an excuse to do nothing. On the contrary, our mission is to glorify God with what He has bestowed upon us.
Pope John Paul II recognizes this, writing in Evangelium Vitae:
There is certainly an enormous disparity between the powerful resources available to the forces promoting the “culture of death” and the means at the disposal of those working for a “culture of life and love.” But we know that we can rely on the help of God, for whom nothing is impossible.
The Holy Father does not say that evildoers merely possess wealth. He says that there are forces that are actively promoting the culture of death. More specifically, these forces are using their financial assets to promote the culture of death. The Holy Father recognizes that, in financial terms, the culture of life is outnumbered, or more accurately, outfinanced. Yet he says that we must have hope, and he presents a challenge to us. That challenge is to counter the culture of death, and have the faith to glorify God in promoting the culture of life.
While we may be tempted to think that our small amount of money can do little good, we must remember that in the gospel accounts, our Lord singles out one financial gift as being very pleasing to Him. He does not cite the rich men who contribute great financial gifts to the Temple. Instead, he notices one poor widow:
And looking on, He saw the rich men cast their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in two brass mites. And He said: Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have, of their abundance, cast into the offerings of God: but she, of her want, hath cast in all her living that she had.
St. John Chrysostom tells us that God appreciates not the size of the gift, but the greatness of the affection of the giver. Greatness of affection for Christ is not something that can be possessed solely by those of great stature or great wealth. Greatness of affection is something that all of us can possess.
Our greatness of affection might not come in the form of gold or brass, or in the form of an epic film. For us, the greatness of affection might not come in the form of The Passion of The Christ, but in a passion for the Christ. That expression of affection and passionate love is how we can glorify God with our financial gifts.
John Clark is the CEO of Paladin Financial Group.
Paladin specializes in helping Catholics invest their money in a pro-life way. He may be reached at jclark@investprolife.com.
Securities offered through LaSalle St. Securities, Member NASD, SIPC.
