Lent Exercises: Money - Confronting the Temptation of Wealth
There’s a story that is told about St. Dominic, 13th century founder of the Order of Preachers. On a visit to Rome, Dominic was given a tour of the church’s treasury. The cardinal who was giving the tour, expecting Dominic to be impressed, said, “well, I guess the church can no longer say, ‘silver and gold, have I none.’” Dominic paused, “true,” he said, “but, neither can she say, ‘rise and walk.’”
I like this story. It’s cheeky. It’s insightful. It puts its finger on a vulnerability all of us face, the temptation of wealth.
Mark 10:17-31 tells the story of a man falling down before Jesus asking, “what must I do to inherit eternal life.” In context the question being asked is not, “how do I go to heaven when I die,” but “how do I participate in God’s life now and in the age to come.” Clearly, this man recognizes Jesus as an authority on God’s life, ‘eternal’ life.
Jesus’ first response is to point this man to the Torah. This is significant. God’s life and the way to participate in life with God were not novel ideas. This man knew the Torah. He kept the law. Jewish spirituality is wonderfully concrete. A Jewish friend lovingly chides me, “It seems to me people in your tradition, (Christians) argue too much about abstractions. Go do some positive good. Help the poor. Be a mensch (a person of integrity and honor).”
The man confesses keeping God’s commands. Jesus doesn’t contradict him. Instead, Jesus looks at him with love and says, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
Notice that Jesus’ invitation is more practical, specific, and tangible than our (Christian) practice is usually comfortable with. If a person comes to our communities and asks what they must do to have eternal life, we are apt to say, “put your faith in Jesus.” This isn’t wrong. Still, I can’t help but notice Jesus’ invitation here is much more concrete.
Go sell your stuff. Then come follow me.
If we want God’s life we will, at some point, have to confront our attachment to wealth. In 1998 I had the privilege of being able to put Jesus’ invitation to the test. I sold or gave away most of my belongings. Paid off the consumer debt I’d accumulated. And spent the next few years living as simply as possible, serving students and serving the poor. Few seasons have been as spiritually transformative.
Few of us have the privilege to divest so thoroughly. With two daughters about to enter college it would be irresponsible for me to do that now. Still, the invitation of Jesus comes through. If I long for God’s life, I have to confront my attachment to wealth.
Why not give anonymously and generously today? See if you experience God’s life.