The perfecting of the person and morality are closely related to our social and economic lives.
The “things” of this world — call them recourses, commodities, gifts, even talents) can be the cause of our condemnation or sanctification. St. Ignatius of Loyola makes clear that we should use “things” of this world only for the praise and reverence of God. Of course, applying this to practical Christian living, the “things” of this world are to be used for the good of all. This is loving our neighbor. This is serving God.
Transacting in the business world requires us to use “things”. In using “things” according to their purpose the laity find spiritual wealth and joy in their role as distributors and stewards of all things, rather than owners. This is at the heart of Christain detachment for the laity as well as the religious.
“Things” can bring about progress, growth, and stability; psychologically, emotionally, physically, socially and professionally. In the widest sense “things” are anything created by God or developed by man. Intellegence is a form of wealth. A Scholastic Degree is generally a secure form of wealth. The possession of beauty, strength, talent, and so forth are things to be used for God's glory and to love one's neighbor. Simply, to have things is to have a house, car, clothes, money, etc. The law of Christ, and His Church tells us that we must use these things to fulfill our duties, promote all that is good, and to love others. There are many, many possessions not yet mentioned: technology, influential contacts, political know-how, corporate status, etc. All possessions, material and immaterial, are entrusted to us to be used in the service of the Lord.
Affections which tear us away from God are dangerous. Besides people and places, “things” can enkindle fiery affections when we are not careful in handling them. Sometimes one can find oneself being choked by the affections and the desires that “things” can create. Want can bring about absorption in the world, slavery and greed — or absorption in oneself, pleasures, pride or egotism.
To those who possess “things” in abundance the invocation of the gospel is clear: Be Careful! The Christian message does not require us to give up possessions, although this is a special vocation for some. It requires us to live in a detached spirit, not clinging to what we have but being ready to give up all and willing to let God do as He likes with whatever He has given us to use.
The safe road for those who possess much is in living with this right attitude in the heart and mind. This is what Jesus requires. We must be willing to allow Him to alter any of our situations: physical, emotional, material or professional. Essentially, for us “owners of things,” it is a matter of using, not possessing. Our accountability concerns the use of things beyond what we may possess physically. Our difficulty is that we human beings are drawn to wanting things that can be quantified numerically. Our struggle is to be holy in this world, to strike a balance between using freely what God had given us and giving what God desires of us.
Fr. Sullivan, M.J., is a priest with the Miles Jesu order. Miles Jesu is an Institute of Consecrated Life dedicated to promoting reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to Our Lady and faithfulness to the official teachings of the Church. For information on Miles Jesu and its Seminary Program, please call 1-800-654-7945 or visit their website at www.MilesJesu.com.
