Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Eugene Docoy SVD – South Korea
Monday 20th Week in Ordinary Time
I was once invited to a university celebration where students were selling food and drinks for a cause. They set up a tent with tables and chairs, and at one corner displayed pictures of babies from the Baby’s Home run by our migrant center. Beneath the pictures was written: “Whatever amount we earn from the sale shall be given for the benefit of these babies.”
When asked how they came to know about the babies, they explained that they had found them while browsing the internet. That was also how they discovered my name and telephone number to invite me. What touched me most was that they did not know me or the babies personally, yet they chose us as the recipients of their generosity. It was moving to see young people so socially oriented, when many of their peers are often preoccupied with fashion, parties, movies, and worldly affairs.
This “youthful” attitude is not new. Even in Jesus’ time, young people struggled with attachment to wealth. In today’s Gospel, the rich young man kept the commandments faithfully, yet when challenged to sell his possessions and give to the poor, he went away sad because he was very rich (Matthew 19:16–22).
His story reminds us that discipleship is not only about following rules but about letting go of what binds us. Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20).
This struggle is not limited to youth. Adults too face the unending inflation of worldly wants and desires. In an age of free trade and consumerism, spiritual health is easily corrupted by material obsession. St. Paul warns: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
We must constantly challenge ourselves to re-channel part of our material wealth toward spiritual growth and generosity. True wealth lies not in possessions but in compassion and solidarity.
The generosity of those students is a living parable. They remind us that even without personal ties, love can reach out to strangers. Their example echoes Jesus’ words: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
May we learn to loosen our grip on material wealth, invest in spiritual treasures, and discover the joy of giving.
