Everyday I turn on the news and see a story of someones hardship. They lost their job, their home, their 401k. Corporations are losing billions or going under. People are being exposed for stealing billions from others. Politicians selling appointments and leadership positions. It goes on and on. Everyone and everything is so focused on what we have, don't have, or have had taken away. A stark reminder of the value of fame and fortune is the tragic story of Natasha Richardson's end. The famous family, the money, the fans didn't matter in the end. Her family had to watch as her life came to an end, and I am sure the only thing that made the difficult situation more bearable was and is the love, support and prayers of family and friends. These are things that nobody can take away.
When we look at the life of St. Francis we see a man who learned at a very early age what true wealth is. He gave away everything he had to show others his faith. He learned to love and respect everyone and everything that God put on this earth. And he guided others away from worshiping material goods and toward the path to eternal peace through the charity and love.
If we examine our lives, the first thing we tend to notice these days is what we have lost. What we must now do without. But when doing so, we should take a look around us and see what others are forced to do without. We may not have what we had yesterday, but we have so much more that many people will ever have. Letting our loss guide us to giving will add wealth to our souls.
I'm not suggesting that we all give away our possessions and become Franciscans. I am suggesting we take a closer look at what is important. You can't take your 401k, your SUV or your summer cottage to heaven. God won't care that your name is on a deed or a title when he judges you. It will be the riches you have gathered in your soul that He will itemize. And you can't blame Bernie Madoff for what you are lacking in your heart.
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